Are you worried about a relative’s driving?

Have you noticed any bumps or scrapes on an older relative’s car? Have they been diagnosed with a new medical condition, or has their eyesight or general health deteriorated recently?

If so, you need to talk to them about driving.

Sadly, the number of collisions involving older drivers in Devon & Cornwall has increased over the past five years, with many resulting in death or serious injury.

The most common factors in these collisions are poor eyesight, illness or disability. Other common factors include tiredness, poor vision related to weather conditions, and ineffective observation skills.

We want to keep everyone safe on our roads and part of that is ensuring all road users are fit to drive.

We understand that discussing driving with an older relative could be a very difficult conversation – but it’s also a really important one. 

That’s why we’ve created our DriveSmarter webpage.

It includes a helpful list of respectful, non-threatening conversation starters which will help you raise the subject in a kind and gentle way. You can also get advice on how to raise any concerns with a doctor, the police or the DVLA.

There’s also information about driver training courses designed specifically to review and refresh the skills of older drivers – as well as details of alternative transport options which are often cheaper and easier running your own car.

Most importantly, all these resources have been created to help open dialogue – not force decisions – and to preserve dignity and independence.

For more information visit Drive Smarter – Advice for Friends and Relatives