Seniors set to get free driver coaching
Advances in health care and technology mean New Zealanders are living and driving for longer, but how do we ensure that the driving we’re doing in our golden years is up to speed? The AA is set to roll out a solution.
From August 1 the AA is offering one free practical driving session every two years to its members aged 80 years and older. It’s called AA Senior Drivers and it’s specifically designed to help senior drivers stay confident and safe behind the wheel.
AA Driving School general manager Roger Venn said as a car loving nation, our need for our vehicles doesn’t just end when we retire. ’’We all want to retain the mobility, freedom and independence that driving gives us,’’ he said.
‘‘We know when seniors stop driving it has a massive impact on their lives. They feel isolated from friends and family, experience a sense of loss of control and struggle to run their everyday errands and tasks.’’
For many senior drivers new road infrastructure or traffic hotspots can be intimidating and often shake their confidence.
‘‘Giving them a chance to navigate these changes with an instructor and in their own car helps to confirm their awareness of their own skills and build their confidence, which also makes them safer on the road.’’
AA believes the session will help them safely extend the life of their driver licence.
‘‘We all want to retain the mobility, freedom and independence that driving gives us.’’ Roger Venn - AA Driving School
‘‘At age 75 we have to be assessed by a doctor to see if we’re fit to continue driving, and we may be required to sit the on-road test again.
‘‘After we turn 80, that process occurs every two years, so the Senior Drivers programme coincides with that.’’
While older drivers don’t have as many crashes as younger drivers, if they’re involved in a crash they’re are more at risk of being seriously injured or killed. This is largely due to them becoming frailer.
‘‘With majority of all crashes on New Zealand roads coming down to driver error, we believe a regular skills refresh is a positive way to keep some of our most vulnerable drivers safe on the road.’’
Book online at aa.co.nz or by calling 0800 223 748. Members must be at least 80 years, hold a valid driver licence, have access to a car and an email address.