Refresher courses would keep 'golden-gear changers' safe

Healthcare News
15/11/2005
Taking driving refresher courses would help older drivers renew their abilities to tackle potentially dangerous situations, a new survey has suggested.

Taking driving refresher courses would help older drivers renew their abilities to tackle potentially dangerous situations, a new survey has suggested.

Research from the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) revealed that more than seven out of ten mature motorists would like refresher courses to include tips for driving on busy motorways, and 60 per cent would value advice on driving on unlit roads at night and on negotiating junctions.

The survey took responses from 1,000 drivers throughout the UK aged 50 years and over.

The majority of respondents also said they would welcome the opportunity to take a voluntary driving session to refresh their overall driving confidence.

Christopher Bullock, IAM chief executive, said: "The baby boomers of the mid-20th century are about to become the golden gear-changers of the early 21st century.

"Many older people know that their reactions have slowed and adjust their driving to cater for this. They want to retain their licence because they value the independence afforded by the car. Voluntary refresher sessions could help more mature motorists stay on the road."

Previous research has shown that accidents involving older drivers usually occur due to an inability to handle large amounts of traffic information at the same time as keeping control of a complex machine.