Events
Senior Driving Programme
More Confidence and Safety
New Zealanders rely on driving for shopping, appointments and seeing friends and family. Ageing affects essential driving skills – eyesight, memory, decision-making and reaction times. While older drivers have less crashes they are more at risk of being seriously injured or killed, and can cause accidents. It is important for all drivers to regularly and honestly assess their own driving capabilities to keep themselves and others safe.
Age Concern Whanganui supports older drivers to stay safe on the road and to make good choices. Our free events are for senior drivers to keep up-to-date with the road rules, become more aware of your driving, be more comfortable and safe and know the alternative options for when it is safer to stop driving.
These free events are popular and get excellent feedback: Staying Safe senior drivers’ refresher driving course, CarFit safety & comfort check in your car, and Hanging Up the Car Keys panel – thinking ahead to life beyond driving.
NZ Transport Agency provides excellent resources for senior drivers, including a self-assessment questionnaire and details on licence renewal: senior drivers
Staying Safe senior drivers’ refresher course
Staying Safe is a free classroom based, senior driver refresher course delivered by a very experienced driving instructor and educator. The course aims to build the confidence of older drivers and update their knowledge of how ageing affects driving, road code changes, licence renewal for 75+, and safe driving practices. It is for older drivers who want to keep driving safely for as long as possible.
• Do you know the current road rules well?
• How often have you said to yourself, “Where did that car come from?”
• Are you sometimes confused as to who should give way?
• Do you get the feeling that other drivers may be frustrated with you?
• Are your passengers uncomfortable with your driving?
• Would you like to develop strategies for adverse driving conditions & hazards?
• Would you like to understand & decide better re rural and urban driving and busy roads?
The four-hour Staying Safe course gives opportunities to reflect on your own driving, share experiences and brush up on the road rules. An informative booklet and lunch are provided.
To refresh and improve your safe driving practices – including planning your trips and responding to hazards, to check out your abilities, and to increase your knowledge of legal and safe driving practice – to register, call us on 06 345 1799
Hanging Up the Car Keys: planning for a life beyond driving
Once a year, we host a Hanging up the Car Keys panel of experts, including a geriatrician and driver educator. This is for senior drivers and their families to learn about the medical and safety aspects of driving safely, and alternative transport. Health professionals are also welcome.
To be notified about the date of the next information panel, call us on 06 345 1799.
