A refreshing drive restores confidence in the elderly

An initiative aimed at revitalizing driving confidence among older adults has been launched in Slovenia, offering free sessions designed to help them regain self-assurance behind the wheel. The program, organized by Zavarovalnica Triglav and AMZS, took place for the fifth consecutive year, with this year's edition being held for the first time on Vransko. Participants were given the opportunity to test their driving skills in controlled environments, focusing on critical situations rarely encountered on regular roads. The program highlights a growing concern: while many older drivers have extensive experience, their confidence behind the wheel often declines over time, particularly among women. According to results from the current year’s initiative, 80 percent of participants felt more confident and secure after completing the training. This marks a significant improvement compared to previous years, where such confidence levels had shown a noticeable decline. Participants in the program typically completed their driver’s tests decades ago, when vehicles, traffic rules, and road conditions were vastly different from today. Modern cars are equipped with advanced safety systems that are difficult to fully assess under normal driving conditions. As a result, the initiative provides a safe environment where older drivers can evaluate how their vehicles respond in challenging scenarios. This year’s program introduced a new format, moving away from individual driving sessions in cities to free afternoon workshops at the AMZS Center for Safe Driving on Vransko. Here, participants could practice emergency braking, obstacle avoidance, and driving on slippery surfaces in a supervised setting. These practical experiences are highly valued by participants, helping them better understand vehicle responses and their own capabilities. According to Ana Cergolj Kebler, head of marketing communication at Zavarovalnica Triglav, the shift to a centralized location was a strategic move. “Older drivers often lack opportunities to safely test their responses in demanding traffic situations,” she noted. “By bringing these sessions to a controlled environment, we ensure participants can gain valuable insights into their abilities.” The initiative emphasizes that mobility is crucial for maintaining independence and quality of life among older individuals. It enables access to healthcare services, daily tasks, and social interactions. When confidence wanes, older drivers may gradually avoid driving, impacting their overall lifestyle. Therefore, the program aims to support continued mobility through knowledge enhancement and confidence building. Viktorija Muha, representative of Zlate mreže, highlighted the broader implications of the program. She emphasized that mobility is not just about transportation but also about maintaining autonomy and inclusion in society. In cases where individuals can no longer drive safely, alternative solutions like free transport services under the Prostofer program become essential. Over the past four years, more than 1,900 older drivers have participated in the revitalization driving program. The initiative continues to evolve, adapting to the changing needs of its participants while reinforcing the importance of safe and confident driving among older adults.