Know a 'rusty driver' in Hedge End? Hampshire’s Older Driver Appraisal Scheme could help

Know a ‘rusty driver’ in Hedge End – someone over 55 and who could benefit from updating their driving skills?

According to a poll conducted by Hampshire County Council two thirds of people in Hampshire admit to knowing a ‘rusty driver’ and so the council has put together a scheme to encourage ‘mature, more experienced drivers’ to continue driving safely, the Older Driver Appraisal Scheme.

Across the county older drivers are involved in fewer accidents than people in most other age groups mainly due to having more experience, greater confidence and patience.

But deteriorating eyesight and hearing, plus less sharp reaction times and reduced ability to judge speed may affect an older driver’s competence at the wheel, and recovery can take longer for these drivers if involved in an accident resulting in injury.

The council’s Older Driver Appraisal Scheme offers drivers over 55 a 90 minute appraisal with an approved driving instructor for £30.

The council stresses that the appraisal is not a test, but an ‘informal and confidential assessment’, leaving from the driver’s home, using their own car and travelling on roads they would normally use. At the end of the assessment the driver receives a detailed evaluation highlighting any concerns and remedial actions are discussed. A detailed report is also sent to the driver's home.

George Howe, who passed his driving test in 1948 and has had two assessments, the most recent in January of this year, praised the scheme: “Personally, I have found the older driver assessment very valuable.

“I passed my driving test 62 years ago and personal attitudes, laws, traffic conditions, vehicle performance and so many other things change without us realising. Sometimes our very attitude and general behaviour needs adjusting for the benefit of others including our passengers. It is definitely a fact that many of us can be very self opinionated about our performance behind the wheel.

“For the benefit of everyone, including our loved ones, we should all subject ourselves to an honest professional assessment of how good and safe we are behind the wheel of our vehicle, if only to find out how it compares with our own.”

Councillor Mel Kendal, Executive Member for Environment at Hampshire County Council, said: “I am delighted that there is a service available for older drivers where they can have their driving appraised confidentially.  Our population of older people is growing and the more support that we are able to offer to enable people to maintain their independence and keep themselves and others safe, the better.”

You can find more information about the Older Driver Appraisal Scheme by phoning 01962 846100, emailing road.safety@hants.gov.uk, or visiting the Hampshire County Council website.

Photo from Flickr by dustpuppy.