A free workshop designed to help older drivers stay safe and confident on the road is coming to Foster during Seniors' Month, with expert speakers from Victoria Police, pharmacy and occupational therapy all on the program.
The Staying Behind the Wheel Workshop runs on Friday 9 October from 1pm to 3pm at the Foster War Memorial and Arts Centre, 79 Main Street, Foster. Participants will receive practical information on safe driving habits, maintaining fitness to drive, making the most of modern vehicle safety features, and planning for future mobility needs.
Driving is a topic that matters deeply to older Australians, particularly in regional areas like the Prom Coast where public transport options are limited and a driver's licence is often essential to independence, social connection and access to health services.
Research shows that older drivers are generally more cautious and tend to exhibit less illegal and dangerous driving behaviour than other age groups, and typically control their exposure to risk by avoiding difficult conditions. However, for the first time, older drivers now have the highest fatality rate on Australian roads: not because they are taking more risks, but because they are more physically vulnerable to road trauma when crashes do occur. This makes awareness of driving fitness, vehicle safety features and planning for future mobility all the more important. Common factors that can affect driving as people age include changes in vision, reaction time, flexibility and the effects of medication.
The workshop is free to attend. No bookings appear to be required, but for further information contact the Foster War Memorial and Arts Centre or the event organisers directly.
