Police Scotland launches new simulator safety scheme pilot aimed at older drivers in the north; initiative launched in Inverness today
A NEW road safety initiative aimed at older drivers and their families is being trialled in the north.
The multi-agency Driver Engagement North will use a driving simulator to assess and highlight a driver's reactions, hazard awareness and any potential vulnerabilities on the roads.
The project, launched in Inverness today, has seen a simulator specially designed to assess and demonstrate a driver's reactions and abilities under the supervision of specialists who will be able to offer support and advice.
Sergeant Donnie Mackinnon, from Police Scotland's Road Policing Unit, said: "We are committed to reducing road causalities through positively influencing road users behaviour.
"Whether someone is fit to drive is a sensitive subject and Driver Engagement North is designed to provide a safe environment where people can interact with and seek advice from the experts.
"While this initiative is aimed at older drivers, we will also be able to offer advice to family members or friends who are concerned about whether someone they know is fit to drive.
"We know this is a very difficult conversation which could lead to someone making a life-changing decision but it is better to reach that point before something serious occurs.
"Ultimately our priority is to improve safety and reduce the number of casualties on the roads. We are confident that Driver Engagement North will be an important new strand of that work."
If anyone raising concerns about their fitness to drive they will be given advice, including the need to have an open discussion with family or friends and also with their GP, who will be able to advise on a suitable course of action and refer to the most appropriate agency.
Sgt Mackinnon added: "The most important consideration is to take action, by simply doing nothing may result in far more serious consequences."
Michael McDonnell, Director of Road Safety Scotland said: “I am pleased the Driver Engagement North road safety initiative has been supported through Transport Scotland’s Road Safety Framework Fund, and I am hopeful it can grow to become an effective resource for Police Scotland to deliver important road safety messaging for older drivers.
"It's important we all take steps to consider our standard of driving, including our health, wellbeing, eyesight and mobility – and how these factors impact on our ability to drive safely. Through this initiative, Police Scotland will equip people locally to make informed choices about driving safely both now and in the future.”
The initiative has received funding from Transport Scotland and is led by Police Scotland, with support from a number of partners including the NHS, Local Authority Community Safety Groups, IAM Roadsmart, Age Concern and RoSPA.
Any interested parties looking for more information can contact highlandandislandsdriverengagement@scotland.pnn.police.uk
