This presentation will explore the results of the evaluation undertaken into the effectiveness of the Standardised Mature Driving Assessment (SMDA).

Local authorities and/or charities often carry out these assessments to support older drivers in maintaining their safety. The project aimed to assess whether the standardised approach developed by the Older Driver Task Force delivered measurable benefits across a range of issues that may impact their driving as they age. The project was supported by the Road Safety Trust and managed by the Parliamentary Advisory Committee on Transport Safety (PACTS).

Dr Carol Hawley, University of Warwick

Dr Carol Hawley is an academic research psychologist with over 30 years experience working in the fields of driving and road safety research both in the UK and internationally.

She chairs the Special Interest Group on Driving as part of the World Federation for Neurological Rehabilitation, and is a member of the Older Drivers Task Force and chairs its working group on older driver eyesight.

She has extensive research experience including evaluations of service delivery and organisation; fitness to drive; and attitudes and behaviours of older drivers. She has held substantive and then honorary contracts with the University of Warwick since 1985, and set up CARGY Research Consultancy in 2015, a small consultancy which specialises in driving related research.

Ian Edwards, Founder, New View Consultants

Ian Edwards is an independent road safety consultant who has developed and delivers several of Road Safety GB’s courses, including the Foundation and Behavioural Change course.

Ian started his career as a road safety officer in Doncaster before moving to Kirklees, where he was responsible for the delivery of their driver improvement schemes.

More recently Ian has been involved in a number of national and international road safety projects including the EU-Funded HERMES project and a fleet management project with an international pharmaceutical company.