Initiative continuing to help mature drivers across Herefordshire and Worcestershire with road safety
Mature driver awareness sessions have been taking place in both counties this summer
Older drivers across Herefordshire and Worcestershire have been getting the chance this summer to better understand how changes to them as they get older can affect their driving.
Mature driver awareness sessions have been taking place, which are delivered by West Mercia Police in partnership with Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service and West Mercia's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).
They were first started back in 2024 for those aged 65 and above, and use virtual reality to show to attendees how things like impaired vision and reduced physical mobility can cause issues while also supporting drivers to manage those risks and stay safe.
Inspector Darren Godsall from the force, who works with the Operations Policing Unit (OPU) in charge of roads policing and road safety, said it was all about using the relaxed environment to better inform people on the law and how they can look after others and themselves when on the road.
"We're not here to say that mature drivers shouldn't drive, we're here to encourage people to do so safely and maintain their independence longer," he said.
"It's critically important that people understand that correct eyesight, so being able to see a license plate at 20 metres, is a legal requirement.
"When you sign to say that you are renewing a driving license at 70 years of age you are signing to say that your eyesight is able to see a license place at 20 metres and you are fit and able to drive.
"We all need to be mindful of that, no matter what our age, and that medical conditions can affect our safety on the roads."
On the feedback they've got from it, he added: "Those attending have found it really helpful that we're making them aware of things that potentially they hadn't considered, particularly around medications.
"A lot of people now find with the increased volume of traffic on the roads they're more nervous driving in heavy volumes of traffic and perhaps not as comfortable driving at night due to glare.
"It's just a relaxed environment where people can receive information and go away more informed and more aware of changes on the roads and with legislation."
11 sessions in total were scheduled for this year, with eight taking place between June and August, with one in Droitwich happening today (30 September) and the other two down for next month.