Roads and road rules revised at Probus

The members of the Ōmokoroa Probus Club were welcomed to the July meeting by President Wavyne Phillips. Roads and Road rules appeared to be the theme of our speakers.

Club Member Colin Pettigrew showed us a historical film of Joshua Morgan, the first European to survey the road from Stratford to Taumaranui, also now known as The Forgotten Highway. Mr Morgan’s life ended on this road at the age of 35 years. His grave and memorial can be found along the roadway.

After morning tea, Tanya Smith from Age Concern gave us helpful advice for senior drivers whether it be on relicensing, refresher courses on the road code knowledge and discussing driving and transport options if you have been advised not to drive any more.

Several booklets were available to take away after the meeting. We were also given a voucher for a refresher course with an instructor, on driving and the road code.

Many of Probus members had learnt to drive in what’s now referred to as classic cars without airbags, hands on the steering wheel in the 10-2 position. This is no longer the preferred position, as 9-3 is better should your airbag activate. In the 9-3, your arms will go out sideways, whereas, in the 10-2 position, the arms will rise upwards towards your eyes. The writer is now concentrating on this new position hoping to have it mastered in time for the arrival of her new aged license.

The meeting closed with the thought of the day given by Carol Jones.

More discussions then followed during lunch at the Boat Club.