A national road safety campaign aimed at helping older motorists remain safe and confident behind the wheel is coming to Ayrshire in August.
The Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland’s Fitness to Drive roadshow will visit locations in Arran, Irvine and Ayr from Wednesday, August 5, until Monday, August 10.
Drivers aged 60 and over will be invited to take part in a free “Driver MOT”, designed to help motorists consider whether age-related changes may be affecting their driving and identify practical steps which could help them continue driving safely for longer.
The roadshow will begin at the Arran Show in Lamlash on Wednesday, August 5, before moving to the Woodland Cafe at Brodick Castle on Thursday, August 6.
It will then visit the Rivergate Shopping Centre in Irvine on Friday, August 7, and Saturday, August 8, before completing its Ayrshire tour at the Bowls National Championships in Ayr on Sunday, August 9, and Monday, August 10.
More than 850,000 people aged over 60 currently hold driving licences in Scotland.
The campaign aims to encourage older drivers to think about how changes to eyesight, hearing, mobility and reaction times could affect their ability to drive safely.
Transport Scotland figures have shown an increasing trend in road casualties involving motorists aged 60 and over.
During the free sessions, drivers will receive advice on simple measures which could make driving safer and more comfortable.
These may include arranging regular eye examinations, avoiding driving at night, staying away from busy junctions during peak periods or refreshing driving skills through a professional driving review.
Organisers said concerns about losing independence or being asked to give up driving can sometimes discourage people from discussing changes in their driving ability.
The Fitness to Drive initiative is intended to reassure motorists that recognising changes does not automatically mean they must stop driving.
Instead, drivers may be able to make small adjustments which allow them to remain on the road safely and confidently.
Friends and relatives of older motorists are also being encouraged to visit the roadshow for advice on how to begin supportive and sensitive conversations about driving.
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport Stephen Flynn said: “The Fitness to Drive campaign is designed to support older drivers to recognise any changes that come with age, whether that’s to eyesight or hearing, and encouraging them to take action to ensure they continue driving safely and confidently.
“Change doesn’t always have to mean hanging up the keys and, by helping older drivers and their families ensure their driving fitness, we can help make people more confident and safer when they travel which, in turn, can help stop collisions and save lives.”
The Fitness to Drive roadshow will visit:
The Arran Show, Lamlash, Isle of Arran
Wednesday, August 5, from 10am until 4pm.
Brodick Castle Woodland Cafe, Isle of Arran
Thursday, August 6, from 10am until 4pm.
Rivergate Shopping Centre, Irvine
Friday, August 7, and Saturday, August 8, from 10am until 4pm.
Bowls National Championships, Ayr
Sunday, August 9, and Monday, August 10, from 10am until 4pm.
Further information and advice about driving safely for longer is available from the Road Safety Scotland website.