Initiative to help older drivers using the road

Initiative to help older drivers using the road

20 September 2017

A SCHEME designed to help pensioners feel more comfortable behind the wheel could be rolled out across the district.

Rowallane councillor, Harry Harvey, is the man behind the new initiative which recently proved a major success in Newry, securing sponsorship from a leading business.

Cllr Harvey, the chairman of Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s Policing and Community Partnership, was recently approached by a pensioner in the Crossgar area who outlined the various driving initiatives organised for young people.

Helen Graham said as people get older they can lose confidence behind the wheel, particularly when they have to negotiate busy roundabouts and main junctions. She said consideration should be given to helping elderly drivers keep safe when driving.

“Helen got me thinking and given the increasing number of elderly people on the road, I knew there was merit in doing something to help,” said Cllr Harvey.

“I discussed what Helen told me with local police and it was agreed to secure the services of a driving instructor to put together a short programme to help provide senior citizens with confidence.”

Councillor Harvey said road safety is important no matter what age you are, explaining one of the issues elderly drivers face is that there are now considerably more cars on the road, especially locally.

“Everyone was supportive and while the recent scheme was based in Newry, I am now working to have one delivered in Down District. Both Helen and Libby Brown, who also lives in the Crossgar area, completed the driving course and were delighted to be presented with their certificates.

“They have really benefited from a little extra tuition in how to negotiate roundabouts and the like and I am working to drive this initiative forward and have it rolled out in the district,” he said. “I hope the council will agree to take it forward and perhaps a local business would like to provide sponsorship.”

Councillor Harvey said in addition to providing driving tuition, the recent programme involved a number of workshops to help drivers brush up on their theory.

“Helen and Libby say they got so much out of the initiative and this is something which has the potential to grow, if we can secure the finance to keep it going. As far as I am aware, Newry, Mourne and Down Council is the only local authority running such a scheme,” he continued.

“The Crossgar ladies are now much more confident behind the wheel and if anyone would be interested in taking part in a similar programme locally could they please get in touch with me so I can see what the level of interest is. Increasing numbers of elderly people are driving to large shopping centres, taking and collecting their grandchildren from school and engaging in more driving for pleasure.”

Cllr Harvey added: “The district’s population is ageing and I believe it is important we do all we can for our senior citizens. Working to help them feel safer when driving is worth it.”

Cllr Harvey can be contacted on 07531 815425.