| January
7 , 2000 The Older and Wiser Driver Educational resource helps drivers assess skills, stay on road safely, longer The Minister responsible for Seniors and the Minister responsible for Manitoba Public Insurance today jointly unveiled a new educational resource designed to help motorists drive safely for as long as possible. The Older and Wiser Driver handbook was developed by the Manitoba Seniors Directorate and Manitoba Public Insurance as a way to bring forward the legacy of the 1999 International Year of Older Persons into the new century. The handbook includes a self-rating quiz along with suggestions for improvement. It will be available through provincial seniors organizations, senior centres, community resource councils, health centres and Autopac brokers throughout the province. "Driving a car requires many skills and it is important for all of us to continually review our abilities to ensure we are driving safely." said the Honourable Becky Barrett, Minister Responsible for MPI. "This booklet takes us through a process of review, so we can adjust our driving habits and be aware of actions we can take to make our driving safer." Today, about 14 per cent of Manitoba's population is 65 or older, but with the baby boom generation marching en masse into middle age, it is expected that 21 per cent of Manitobans will be 65 or older by 2025. And most of those people will be drivers. "Manitoba seniors contribute to the life of our communities in thousands of ways," said the Honourable Diane McGifford, Minister Responsible for Seniors. "They work as paid employees and volunteers; provide support and assistance to family, friends and neighbours; and invest their time, talents and energies in local projects. Often the car is the means of travel for these busy and productive people." Research has shown that becoming dependent is single greatest fear of older people. And having a car and being able to drive are often the keys to maintaining independence. While aging imposes physical limitations, older drivers can adjust their driving habits to cope safely with their changing abilities. "MPI is committed to RoadWise driver education as a lifelong proposition," said Dennis Bell, MPI's acting Road Safety manager. "We believe that with the proper education and support, more of us will be able to continue driving safely and confidently well into our senior years."
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