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Free workshops for older drivers

Published: 10/03/2015

Older drivers in Flintshire have an opportunity to build their driving skills and confidence further by taking part in a free driving session. Flintshire County Councils Road Safety Unit is offering a free driving session to residents who are 65 and over, for those who may need some support with building confidence in their driving. There is a free workshop on Wednesday 18 March at 1.30pm at The Springfield Hotel in Pentre Halkyn, Holywell, to encourage drivers to arrange a free driving session. Driving experience is extremely important and research shows some older drivers do avoid situations where they know they feel anxious- these may include night time driving, busy towns, fast roads and bad weather, but avoiding these all the time is not always possible, especially on rural roads. Flintshire’s over 65’s FREE driving session is a way that senior drivers can improve their driving skills. The Wales Mobility and Driving Assessment Service instructors provide handy tips on how to adapt your driving style as you get older, helping to keep you and other road users safe, and to keep people behind the wheel for longer. Councillor Bernie Attridge, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “I would encourage our residents over the age of 65 to take up this opportunity for a free driving session. As we get older, we may experience changes which can affect how we drive. These include the possibility of reaction times getting slower, making decisions can take longer, and driving can be more tiring and stressful. Some drivers notice these changes as early as their mid-fifties. As they get older, most people can carry on driving safely and without problems, but this is easier to do with some help from a driving professional. “A workshop was delivered to over 30 residents over the age of 65 at Clwyd Theatr Cymru last month, where the feedback was very positive and another 18 driving sessions have been arranged from the Workshop.” To book, or to find out more, please contact the Road Safety Unit, on 01352 704498. Caption Older drivers at a workshop with Claire Parry and Lee Shone (FCC Road Safety) and Barry Dunn, Advanced Driving Instructor