Elderly drivers are being urged by a leading police force to assess their motoring ability in the interests of road safety.
West Mercia Police has launched an innovative programme combining virtual reality technology and online webinars to help drivers aged 65 and over navigate the roads more safely.
The initiative spans Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire, offering 10 sessions over the next five months.
The programme addresses the unique challenges faced by mature drivers whilst recognising their valuable experience.
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West Mercia Police has launched action to ensure elderly drivers are safe on the roads
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It aims to help older motorists maintain their independence on the region's rural roads, where specific safety concerns arise from the combination of country driving conditions and age-related changes to driving abilities.
Superintendent Stuart Bill of West Mercia Police explained the initiative's importance: "We've got a lot of rural country roads in West Mercia. We want to ensure our older drivers are as safe as possible."
The programme includes sessions for mature drivers across all three counties, though Shropshire dates remain to be confirmed.
Police have partnered with the fire service to deliver the sessions, which also welcome family members concerned about older relatives' driving.
Elderly motorists are being asked to assess how important driving is to their independence
GETTYSuperintendent Bill emphasised that the force wants "to keep people mobile" whilst considering health concerns.
The first session in Redditch on Tuesday revealed common concerns amongst participants. Gerald, 78, admitted he had begun finding driving more challenging, "avoiding these youngsters whizzing round who are quicker and faster than me".
He acknowledged taking longer to react to situations and finding motorways increasingly difficult, he told the BBC.
Other participants, Sandra and Hazel, cited issues including boy racers, lack of respect for slower drivers, impatient motorists and drivers who failed to signal.
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Some others questioned whether people had an over-inflated belief in how good their reactions were and tried to convince themselves that they would be fine.
Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion revealed concerning statistics, with 34 deaths and 259 serious injuries across West Mercia between 2020 and 2024 involving drivers over 70.
He said the virtual reality sessions used the latest technology to equip drivers with "the knowledge they need to stay safe."
Additionally, two free online webinars are scheduled for June, hosted by James Luckhurst, founder of Project EDWARD (Every Day Without A Road Death).
These feature expert panels addressing issues commonly affecting older drivers, with family members encouraged to attend.
Participants can book places on one or both sessions, depending on their interests, though spaces are limited.
The first webinar will take place on Saturday, June 7, and will focus on health and mobility, and whether these factors impact fitness to drive.
The second webinar, on Thursday, June 12, will assess how mature motorists view their own freedom and independence, and how this is reflected through their driving ability.
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