West Mercia

West Mercia Police supports the Older Driver Forum and runs a number of mature driver initiatives across the counties of Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire.

In a predominantly rural force area, we know that – for many – driving represents independence. However, our current statistics for fatal and serious collisions involving drivers aged over 70 show a gradual upward trend so it is important that we do all we can to try and educate our mature driver population about to how to keep driving safer for longer, and how to recognise the signs of when to retire from driving.

Mature Driver Awareness Sessions

Alongside our partners including Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, Shropshire Fire Service, Telford & Wrekin Council, Herefordshire Council and YSS charity, West Mercia Police runs free (in-person) Mature Driver Awareness Sessions across our three counties.

During these sessions, attendees can experience the ‘Keep Driving VR’ film, which has been produced collaboratively by local authority partners across the country and the Older Driver Forum. Using virtual reality technology, the film aims to visually highlight areas that become more challenging as we age, such as impaired vision and reduced physical mobility, and support drivers to manage the risks so they can keep driving safely for as long as possible.

Click here to find out more about our 2025 dates. Many are already fully booked but if you would like to be kept informed about future courses, please email the West Mercia Police Road Safety Team at: RoadSafety1@westmercia.police.uk

In 2024, we ran 17 awareness sessions across the force area, with over 200 people in total attending. Feedback was extremely positive:

93% of attendees felt more aware of some of the conditions associated with ageing that can affect driving skills and ability.
98% felt more aware of positive steps they can take to minimise some of these risks.
97% felt more aware of coping strategies they can use to help them plan and manage their journeys better.
98% feel informed about where to go if they have concerns about medication or eyesight and the effects on their driving.

Mature Driver Webinars

During June 2025, we ran two mature driver webinars alongside Project EDWARD (Every Day Without A Road Death) and Rob Heard MBE.

West Mercia Webinar 1: Health, Mobility and Driving – Held on 7th June 2025

This 60-minute webinar offered attendees the chance to find out more about some key health and mobility issues which have a direct impact on our fitness to drive. Topics covered include:

Driver vision and the vital role of good eyesight in reducing risks on the roads.
How our mobility can change as we age and the impact on our driving ability.
Driver impairment and medication.
Diabetes and how it can affect driving.
Support for families, friends and carers who are concerned about an older driver and advice on how to start empathetic conversations with them about their driving.

West Mercia Webinar 2: Your Vehicle and Your Independence to be held on 12th June 2025:

For many mature drivers, their driving ability reflects their freedom and independence. This 60-minute webinar focused on the tools, technology and support services that are available to assist your driving, build your confidence and skills, or independently assess your driving ability. Topics covered included:

Knowing your vehicle and its technology and how to use it to assist you.
Dashcams and Operation Snap.
Driving assessments or appraisals: The different types available, how they are conducted and where to find one close to you.
Mobility scooters.
Ways to maintain your independence when it’s time to think about retiring from driving.
YSS Charity and #MORSE (Making Our Roads Safer for Everyone).

IAM RoadSmart Mature Driver Review

Thanks to grant funding from West Mercia Police & Crime Commissioner John Campion, we are able to offer mature drivers living in West Mercia the opportunity to book a 1-hour IAM RoadSmart Mature Driver Review for just £20, instead of the usual price of £86.50.

If you’re concerned that your reactions aren’t as fast as they used to be, or that your driving ability has deteriorated over time, the Mature Driver Review – carried out by an Approved Driving Instructor, offers a trusted, impartial appraisal of your driving skills and can improve confidence on the roads.

Discounted Assessments – To book your review for just £20, call 0300 303 1134 and quote code ‘WMP’ (eligible for those living in Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Worcestershire)

To find out more about IAM RoadSmart Mature Drive Review click here

If you have a Medical condition that may affect your ability to drive then we would recommend an assessment with a Driving Mobility centre. Click here to learn more

Drive On Magazine

West Mercia Police Road Safety Team have invested into a suite of free road safety magazines for our communities, each one targeted at a specific road user group. Drive On is a great magazine for mature drivers – take a look at the latest issue here by clicking here

Car Seat Smarter Magazine

Do you transport grandchildren or young children in your vehicle? If so, are you up-to-date with the latest car seat legislation? Car Seat Smarter is another great free publication, covering all the essential information. Take a look by clicking here

Contact West Mercia Police Road Safety Team

Email us: RoadSafety1@westmercia.police.uk

West Mercia Police website: https://www.westmercia.police.uk