Driving an automobile is a task which requires skill and attention at the best of times and is becoming increasingly complex, particularly for mature drivers.
Transportation and Public Works Minister Don MacKinnon today announced details of a new driver support program aimed at the mature driving community.
"Working in partnership with the Seniors Advisory Council and the PEI Seniors Federation, I am pleased to announce that a new driver support program called 55 Alive will soon be made available to Island seniors," said MacKinnon.
The 55 Alive Program, developed by the Canada Safety Council, is one of the most comprehensive national courses tailored to mature driver needs. It takes into account the physical changes of aging and helps drivers compensate for those changes. Course material is based on research to determine needs for mature drivers like updating driver knowledge and skills. The course provides opportunities for participants to identify individual problem areas and help improve their behaviour as drivers.
Through the assistance of the PEI Seniors Federation, instructors are currently being sourced with instructor training scheduled for May. These instructors in turn will work with the department in delivering the 55 Alive Program to the mature driver community.
"Making this program available wouldn't have been possible without the support and cooperation of the Seniors Advisory Council and the PEI Seniors Federation. I would like to publicly thank them for their ongoing efforts to make this program available to the mature driving community," said MacKinnon.