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AMA launches new program to help senior drivers

Saskatchean .
Saskatchean . File / Global News

Edmonton – The Alberta Motor Association (AMA) is offering seniors an opportunity to brush up on their driving skills.

SeniorsDriving.caa.ca was launched Tuesday as part of an initiative to help seniors remain behind the wheel safely and for as long as possible. The website allows seniors to complete a self-assessment quiz, learn about the effects of medications and pick up tips to help their driving.

“Baby Boomers are now in the older age category, getting into the mid-sixties, so we know that it’s going to increase the problem as we go forward. It’s going to get more and more interesting things happening on the roads,” said AMA Driver Education Manager Rick Lang. “What we can do is help people in the younger-older category to do something about their driving today.”

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AMA is also offering Alberta seniors with one-on-one coaching and continuous support to help them on the road.

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“They’ll point out to you what you’re doing really right and what elements you may have to work on such as shoulder checking,” explained Lang, “making sure you’re totally up-to-date with traffic signs and traffic laws as they [are] today not when you started driving 40 or 50 years ago.”

AMA says natural changes and medical conditions can affect a senior’s vision, strength and reaction time behind the wheel.

A driver who takes part in the program will not have their licence taken away even if AMA believes they do not have the skills to be behind the wheel.

“Obviously, we’re going to come across individuals such as that, and what we do is suggest they chat with their family and family doc, and there may be other medical issues that may manifest in the driving that could cause problems on the road,” explained Lang.

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