Although older drivers are involved in fewer crashes than other age groups, if it does happen they are more at risk of being seriously injured or killed.
The 25 seniors who attended a free Staying Safe course in Dannevirke last week learned that because of their physical vulnerability, the fatality rate was about three times higher for a 75-year-old than for an 18-year-old.
Andrew Robertson ran the course, which had been organised by Debbie Webster, the Horizons Regional Council's road-safety co-ordinator for Tararua and Horowhenua.
"It's so important for seniors to have a discussion about their driving behaviour," she said.
"This is a supportive course, without any tests, but the course is also very good for drivers who have to sit their licence again."