Mature Driver Roadshows

Published on 21st November 2023

Over the autumn the Northants Safer Roads Alliance has run two more Mature Driver Roadshows.

The first was held at The Goods Shed, Rushden – a really good venue for the roadshow as it is cavernous and holds 75 delegates and around ten stands (of which we are one!)

The second was at the Icon Centre in Daventry, slightly smaller but still held 75 delegates an a number of stands.

With two sessions each (morning and afternoon) this gives 150 mature drivers (60+ age range) the opportunity of attending this free event. There is a presentation first that covers changes to the highway code, eyesight (Cassies Law), drink driving (limits), drug driving (prescription drugs), expecting the unexpected, what3words and much more.

There is always a lively discussion around the hierarchy of road users especially the issue of giving way to a pedestrian who is waiting to cross a minor road that the driver is turning into.

The NSRA began these roadshows last year to help a vulnerable age group, and it is interesting that in the first one, very few mature drivers had heard of what3words. At the November (Daventry) one, there was a significant increase in mature drivers knowing and having What3words on their phones.

As part of the roadshow, we have been offering free tips and hints drives for the drivers, and have been astounded how many have taken up the offer. 118 have requested an assessment, and so far we have carried out 76 drives. Ad added bonus for us is that ten drivers have signed up to do the advanced driving course – welcome!

We also attended the Wellingborough U3A wellbeing show in September where we received a lot of interest.