When you have to say to your loved one “it might be time to stop driving”

11 Nov When you have to say to your loved one “it might be time to stop driving”

Posted at 14:57h in Latest News by

One of the groups most isolated by lockdown is also the most at risk on Gloucestershire’s roads, once lockdown lifts.

That is according to Gloucestershire’s Older Drivers Forum, which suggests that drivers are more at risk of serious collisions as they age, due to the pressures added by the Covid-19 lockdown.

As a county we have an ageing population…interestingly in recent years the numbers of those killed or seriously injured on the county’s roads used to be higher amongst younger people, but that’s changing and now older people are more likely to be killed or seriously injured.

Road Safety remains a priority

Safe & Social Roads (formerly safe and social driving) has been a policing priority for me since being elected #pcc in 2012.
This week a campaign has been launched in association with my office, the police and the Gloucestershire’s Older Drivers Forum.
“Difficult conversations for older drivers following lockdown” is the headline.

Help is on hand

According to Gloucestershire’s Older Drivers Forum, older drivers are more at risk of serious collisions as they age, and this is being added to by the Covid-19 lockdown.
From Monday 16 November through to Monday 23 November 2020, the groups will host free online webinars offering support to families concerned about the driving abilities of older relatives, or for those drivers feeling like they are losing confidence behind the wheel.
Officers will also be on hand to provide driving and vehicle safety advice to older drivers during routine patrols, as well as support from the Constabulary’s neighbourhood and community engagement vehicles, which will visit vulnerable communities.

Road safety champion

Afternoons on BBC Radio Gloucestershire - 10/11/2020 - BBC Sounds

He spoke about the campaign to Steve Kitchen on BBC Gloucestershire earlier this week.

 

 

Tough decision

 

This important campaign bridges two priorities in my latest Police and Crime Plan: Safe and Social Roads, and Older but Not Overlooked.

Driving offers freedom and independence, so the decision to stop driving can be a difficult and divisive one.

We hope this campaign will encourage families to start having those difficult conversations and will provide support to older drivers who want to re-build their confidence behind the wheel after a lockdown break.

Webinars

The Webinars will run be run via Zoom. Guests can register at https://olderdriversforum.com/gloucestershire-events/ for the three events taking place on:

Tuesday 17 November 2020 from 6pm – 7pm

Thursday 19 November 2020 from 6pm to 7pm

Saturday 21 November 2020 from 12pm to 1pm.

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Martin Surl
martinsurl@policecommissioner.net