Older drivers suffering from disabilities urged to take advantage of simple tool
Dr Hilary discusses the risks for older drivers
Older drivers who are diagnosed with hidden disabilities should wear a special card while out driving, according to experts.
Specialists at the Older Drivers Forum have encouraged road users to benefit from the Sunflower scheme to get access to extra support.
A Hidden Disabilities Sunflower sticker can also be added to a vehicle making it easier for police or breakdown teams to quickly identify motorists who need assistance.
The badge discreetly indicates that the driver or a passenger has an impairment and may need extra support.
The Older Drivers Forum issued the simple tip as part of winter driving advice for elderly motorists.
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They said: “If you have a hidden disability, wear a Sunflower scheme lanyard and have a sticker on your car. This will discretely alert the police and emergency services that you may need a little more support.”
According to the NHS, hidden disabilities can include sensory loss, a physical disability, dementia, autism or anxiety.
The Older Drivers Forum has teamed up with National Highways to create a free sunflower for vehicles.
According to National Highways, the sticker may indicate motorists need help understanding instructions or communicating needs.
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It also indicates someone needs support staying calm at a time of stress, or help getting to a place of safety. It may also be used to show first responders that they are dealing with an adapted vehicle for disabled use.
National Highways added: “The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower for your vehicle discreetly indicates that you may need additional support if you break down or need assistance on a motorway or major A-road in England.
“Anyone with an impairment, hidden or visible, who may need additional support if they break down or need assistance on a motorway or major A-road can display the Sunflower on their vehicle.”
National Highways said the sticker should be displayed on the back of a vehicle where it can be easily seen.
The badge should not be placed anywhere which could obstruct road users’ view of the road.
Each sticker is designed to last for three years but can be removed by applying a 70 percent alcohol solution such as hand sanitiser.
But, the sticker could discolour the vehicle’s bodywork meaning a magnet could be a better option.
This magnet attaches to the bodywork and can be removed after every individual journey.
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