Elderly drivers brought up to speed
BY BLAIR ENSOR
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Blenheim golfing enthusiast Tom Bourne knows all about the pitfalls of losing his driving licence.
The 78-year-old was barred from driving for a month after a minor stroke.
"That month ... was an awfully long one."
It impacted on his independence and his wife Liz was forced to drive him to engagements and activities.
He is now back on the road, but to try to extend the longevity of his driving career Mr Bourne is heading along to a free driving course on Thursday which targets older drivers in Marlborough.
The course, based on the New Zealand Road Code, has been organised by the Marlborough Road Safety Council and will be held at the Wesley Centre St from 9am to noon.
Marlborough Road Safety Council secretary Geoff Powell said because testing of older drivers had been abolished and Safe with Age courses discontinued, there were a lack of opportunities to keep drivers up to speed with information supporting their driving skills.
Mr Powell said the meeting targeted members of the community over the age of 50 and aimed to reinforce changes to driving legislation and provide handy tips on how to tackle the roads in the region.
Tasman District Highway Patrol team leader Eric Davy said the course was encouraged by police who often fielded calls from the community complaining about elderly drivers.
"This is an ideal opportunity to have their driving ability checked ... so they can keep driving for years to come."
For more information or if you wish to attend the course, contact Mr Powell on 035788143.
- The Marlborough Express
