Resources and Useful Links
Guides and Handbooks
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For PDF documents, you will need a copy of the Acrobat reader software. This is available free of charge from the Adobe website. |
ACT Older Drivers' Handbook
(
1.6Mb Adobe Acrobat file)
The handbook contains a wealth of information to help you continue driving safely for years to come. It helps you to reassess your driving and provides lots of practical advice on safe driving technique and practice. The Handbook is available from ACT Motor Registries and the Council on the Ageing (ACT). It is posted to all ACT drivers as they turn 70. An on-line copy can be obtained by clicking on the title above.
Retiring from Driving booklet
( 2.6Mb Adobe Acrobat file)
The Retiring from Driving - A Guide for Older Drivers in the ACT, and Their Friends and Families booklet is designed to help you plan and prepare for this change with minimal impact on your lifestyle. It is sent to all ACT drivers as they turn 75. This booklet complements the Older Drivers Handbook.
Coming of Age: Safety and the Older Driver
(Video)
This video will help you assess your safe driving skills for the years ahead. Broadcaster and motoring driver Ralph Bain discusses safe driving with veteran drivers and a range of experts. He concludes with an eight-point plan to help older drivers assess their driving skills and continue safe driving. Produced by CreaTV Productions for COTA (ACT), the video is available on free loan from ACT Public Libraries. Limited copies are still available from COTA (ACT). Phone (02) 6282 3777 for pricing and availability.
The ACT Road Rules Handbook is available by clicking on the title above. Broken into convenient chapters - it contains the key road rules applying in the ACT. It is an invaluable resource for reviewing and updating your road rule knowledge. Paper copies are available at ACT Shopfronts and the Dickson Motor Registry.
Scooter Safe Driver's Guide
This is a small booklet filled with important information for those new to using motorised scooters. People who have been using Scooter's for years have also found it useful. ACT Residents can obtain a free paper copy from COTA (ACT), Hughes Community Centre, Hughes, ACT.
Scooter Safe Trainer's Handbook
( 1MB Adobe Acrobat file)
The Scooter Safe Training Handbook is a resource for people wishing to conduct courses training people in the safe use of motorised scooters. It includes a program outline as well as copies of the overhead transparencies required. Paper copies with transparencies are available in ACT Public Libraries. The NRMA has distributed copies to all Road Safety Officers in NSW Councils. NSW Residents could approach their Local Council's Road Safety Officer to check local availability.
Use of Electric Scooters and Wheelchairs in the ACT: Policy Implications & Recommendations
( 360Kb Adobe Acrobat file)
This policy document analyses the implications of the use of Scooters in the ACT. While it is particularly targeted at the ACT environment, much of the material discussed is very relevant to other jurisdictions. Some of its conclusions and recommendations are somewhat controversial. The document has been presented to the relevant ministers in the ACT Legislative Assembly, and we are awaiting a response from them to the recommendations.
There's Something About Scooters
(Video)
A humorous and entertaining look at Scooter Safety. It runs for about 20 minutes and is suitable for individuals and groups. Copies of the video are available from COTA (ACT), Hughes Community Centre, Hughes, ACT. Phone (02) 6282 3777 for pricing and availability.
LiveDrive Seminar
(2.8Mb PowerPoint file)
A Microsoft PowerPoint presentation can be downloaded for use by individuals, clubs and trainers. It provides all of the information on this web-site in a summary form. It is organised as a menu driven presentation allowing flexibility in the choice of topics.
Older Person's Road Safety Needs Analysis
This policy document analyses the needs of older Canberrans for road safety. It is an extensive study with wide consultation of over 5% of the ACT population aged 65 and over. It makes extensive recommendations relating to both the needs and ways of best meeting them for this age group. While it is particularly targeted at the ACT environment, much of the material discussed is very relevant to other jurisdictions. Some of its conclusions and recommendations are somewhat controversial. The document has been presented to the relevant ministers in the ACT Legislative Assembly, and we are awaiting a response from them to the recommendations.
(NOTE: Despite file sizes, the documents are as described)
Information and Advisory Services
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COTA (ACT) offers a Senior's Information Service -
phone 6282 3777 -
ACT Department of Territory and Minicipal Services
Phone: 13 22 81
Web-site: www.tams.act.gov.au -
TripsACT
Phone: 6251 2100 -
ADACAS
ADACAS is the A.C.T. Disability, Aged and Carer Advocacy Service - an independent advocacy organisation helping people with disabilities, older people and their carers.
Suite 207, Block C
Canberra Technology Park
Phillip Avenue
Watson ACT
Phone (02) 6242 5060
Web-site: www.adacas.org.au -
Disability ACT
Level 2, CFM Building
12 Moore Street
Canberra City
Telephone: (02) 6207 1086
Email: DisabilityACT@act.gov.au
Web-site: www.dhcs.act.gov.au/disability_act/ -
ACTION Buses Information Service
Telephone: 131710
Web-site: www.action.act.gov.au
Useful Web-sites
Provides information on local buses, routes, maps, fares and timetables.
ACT Department of Urban Services
Provides a range of information on roads and transport including the Road Rules Handbook, road safety tips, links to public transport, parking and parking permits and much more.
Provides a table listing some commonly prescribed and over the counter drugs which have a significant impact on driving ability
Provides information on obtaining assistance with selecting mobility aids.
National Prescribing Service Limited
This site has a section for consumers which provides information on the safe usage of prescription medications.
Under the motoring section of this site there is a section “Mastering the Road” which offers good safety, security and driving tips.
Royal Automotive Association of Victoria
This site provides some useful safety tips for motorists under its Roads, Safety & Education section.
A free, online “Crash Course” is available to provide basic first aid training for road users.
Provides details of its Masters courses (Mature Aged Skills Training for Experienced Riders) courses for older motorcycle riders.
Transport Accident Commission (Victoria)
Provides crashworthiness data on vehicles. Also available is an article entitled “Choosing a safer car – A guide for older drivers”.
The site provides some good tips to improve pedestrian safety and on improving cyclist visibility.
The YMCA offers a number of “Active Ageing” programs to encourage and support physical fitness for the “over 50’s”. Details of programs, venues, costs and activities are listed on this site.