Canada Bay is Years Ahead for senior drivers

NRMA Motoring & Services will be holding a series of road safety presentations for senior drivers at Concord over the next few months to help increase the confidence and continued independence of local drivers over the age of 65.

The Years Ahead presentations are a joint initiative of NRMA and Canada Bay Council with the first of four to be held at Concord Library on Thursday 11 September with NRMA Director Dawn Fraser presenting.

Ms Fraser said the NRMA was committed to continued education for senior drivers and encouraged local drivers to attend one of the free Years Ahead presentations.

"An application form for a complimentary driving assessment through an NRMA Safer Driving School will be given to all attendees," Ms Fraser said.

"The driving assessments are sponsored by Canada Bay Council demonstrating its commitment towards senior drivers.

"Older drivers are generally very experienced, courteous and law abiding.

"Over time however, roads have transformed from single lane thoroughfares to multi-lane freeways while many intersections contain roundabouts nowadays.

"These are just some of the changes older drivers have lived through who will appreciate the informal presentations featuring up-to-date statistics and video footage."

The 90-minute NRMA Years Ahead program uses peer-aged presenters to cover road rules and crash prevention, safer driving tips, vehicle and pedestrian safety and physical fitness.

NRMA´s well-received program has been in operation since 1999. In 2007, the program reached out to more than 200 community groups comprising of over 8,000 senior drivers, however, not all senior drivers are members of community groups and as a result have missed out on attending the comprehensive program.

City of Canada Bay Mayor, Cr Angelo Tsirekas said Canada Bay´s population was ageing and would benefit from the NRMA Years Ahead presentation and free driving assessment.

"Places are limited and priority will be given to residents nearing 85 years who are required to sit the Roads and Traffic Authority´s aged driving test," Cr Tsirekas said.

Canada Bay residents interested in attending an NRMA Years Ahead presentation can call Canada Bay Council´s Road Safety Officer, Tony Connop on 02 9911 6555.