Kerry County Council and Age Friendly Kerry will host a road safety conference for older drivers on Tuesday, October 8, at the Rose Hotel in Tralee. The event, which is free of charge, takes place from 10.30am to 2pm.
The conference is being organised and hosted by Kerry County Council and the local authority’s Road Safety Officer, Declan Keogh.
Anna May McHugh of the National Ploughing Association will be among the keynote speakers at the conference along with representatives from Kerry County Council, An Garda Síochána, the Road Safety Authority, the Older Peoples Council and a road safety consultant for older drivers.
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“Older drivers have shared their experiences with me and with Kerry County Council in recent times, though meetings with Age Friendly Kerry and the Older Peoples Council, and they have described some of what they encounter on the road as older drivers,” said Declan Keogh.
“Some have recalled aggression, tailgating, and being placed under pressure to ‘move on’, while others had questions regarding losing their licence if it expires and what the requirements were on eyesight and medical tests for driving licences. This was the starting point for the older drivers’ conference.
“It is important that every motorist is allowed to drive in a safe and appropriate manner, despite their age. It is also just as important that drivers continue to drive in an independent and comfortable manner, in the knowledge that they are a competent driver. The conference will allow delegates to receive advice and guidance on how to improve and manage their driving skills and deal with other elements and road users along their journey. The conference aims to promote the positive, independent experience of driving for longer.”
A number of exhibitors will also be on hand to provide information and advice to older drivers.
Those interested in attending are being reminded they must register for their free ticket through EventBrite.ie. Further details are available on the Council’s social media platforms.