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Will the elderly benefit from a defensive driving programme?
This is the question circulating at this time
as a defensive driving course for the elderly
is being formed by NZ Transport Agency.
This is Parani Subritzky. She's 76-years-old.
Despite that she is still a keen motorist
and ignores what others may think.
No one really has any patients on the roads today.
I hear them yelling at me for driving too slow.
They beep their horns at me.
A programme is currently being formed for elderly drivers
by the NZ Transport Agency.
The aim is to re-educate older drivers
of the rules and regulations on the road.
Last year, a similar programme was cut
due to lack of numbers. Now the outlook has broadened.
The programme is aimed at those over the age of 70.
Latest statistics show that 131 of these drivers
were involved in an incident, fatal or otherwise.
This was seen just two months earlier on an Auckland motorway
when an elderly man drove the directly toward oncoming traffic.
However, the programme will not compulsory.
So the question remains, will it achieve anything?
I'm fine on familiar roads
but the new ones are confusing to most people.
And although she is of age, she says her mind is still sharp.
At times I think others are in the wrong
and I should take their number plate.
The programme will begin trials next year.
It will be available through the internet and community agencies.