NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) took part in Sefton Council’s senior road users event on 21 September talking to people over the age of 60 about medicine waste and the way medicine can affect people’s driving.

The event, led by Sefton Council’s Highway Safety Team, aims to ensure that road users get the advice and support they need to keep themselves and others safe on the borough’s roads.

There is currently more traffic on the roads than ever before with over 35 million registered vehicles in the UK compared with only 12 million in the 1970s. The increase in congestion, plus deteriorating eyesight, longer reaction times and even the use of prescribed medication are affecting many over 60s ability to drive as confidently as they once did, resulting in the number of road traffic accidents involving this age group rising.

Lisa Tate, a pharmacist technician at the CCG, said: “It was a really interesting event and the talk from the local police was an eye opener for attendees. People don’t realise that there are a lot of legal drugs that can affect your driving and so it is always important to read the packaging.

“We had a stand at the event and spoke to people about general waste and our repeat prescription ordering pilot. We have also been asked to present on the type of drugs that affect people driving at the next event which will be in Maghull in the new year.”

Steve Johnston, Team Leader for Highways Safety said: “We know that many people are now healthier, living longer and enjoying a better level of independence as they grow older with 3.9 million drivers aged 70+ compared to 2.2 million in 1992.

“However, it is important that those over the age of 60 take the necessary steps to ensure that they are aware of any physical changes that could put them or others at risk when on the road.

“We hope that direct interventions, such as this event, will help tackle and reduce road accidents within the borough.”

Cllr John Fairclough, Cabinet Member for Locality Services, said: “This is a great event that will challenge the preconceptions held by many regarding the effects of age on driving.

“It is important that those over 60 enjoy their independence and our Highways Safety Team will be on hand to ensure that older residents have the support and advice they need to continue driving safely on our roads.”