At 73 years young, Bryan Kenny is not just any older driver. It may be more than half a century since he took his test, but he’s one of the safest on our roads.
And it’s all down to an innovative new course from the borough’s road safety forum.
Mature drivers – those who took their tests more than 25 years ago – have been eagerly taking part in special training sessions run by council road safety officers and the Driving Standards Agency, with practical on-road instruction from Wigan Advanced Motorists.
The courses were first staged a year ago and the council have just announced the latest date, Wednesday July 9 at Leigh Town Hall.
Bryan, a retired tool fitter from Atherton, recommends them highly. He was worried beforehand and friends and family weren’t too sure that it would be of any use.
“I didn’t want to show myself up," he says. “But I thought I’d give it a go.”
Following on from an informal morning of discussions and advice, Bryan signed up for two hours driving with expert observation and tips from an instructor.
“He got his clipboard out at the end,” he laughs. “And I was amazed – he gave me the top gold award and praised me for a careful and safe drive. It was brilliant.”
Bryan admitted that after 52 years driving, many bad habits had crept in, and is so pleased with the friendly advice he received that he’s now signing up with the Advanced Drivers for their full course, at a special discount.
The road safety forum is a council-backed initiative to bring together local transport experts and includes Fire and Rescue Officers, cycling and driving groups, NHS staff, disability forum members, council officers and elected members, plus many others. The forum’s next major event will be a staged vehicle crash, attended by the emergency services, at Haydock Park’s Truckfest in September.
In the meantime, those who have been driving for a few years are invited to the next free course. It runs from 10am to noon on Wednesday July 9 at Leigh Town Hall. Phone the road safety group on 01942 488250 to reserve your place now.
And Bryan’s top driving tip is really to the point: “Always watch your speed!”
Notes to Editors
- Photo shows Bryan Kenny behind the wheel.
- For more information contact Phil Green at Wigan Council’s Press Office on 01942 827369
