GEM Motoring Assist is set to host a captivating and informative webinar, featuring a remarkable road trip with 102-year-old John Gill at the wheel of his Vauxhall Meriva. The event, scheduled for Tuesday, 24 September 2024 at 2pm, is part of GEM’s Safer Driving Update, presented by the iconic broadcaster Valerie Singleton OBE. The webinar, which is free to attend, promises invaluable insights into driving safety, especially for older drivers and their families.
A Road Trip Through History
John Gill, a Northumberland native, first got behind the wheel in 1936. Since then, he has never had to display L-plates or take a formal driving test, relying solely on his sharp observation and cautious driving style. As part of the upcoming webinar, GEM Motoring Assist filmed Gill as he drove along a scenic stretch of Hadrian’s Wall. During the trip, he shared the secrets behind his incident-free driving career, which spans nearly 90 years.
“I’ve always been a cautious driver,” Gill explained. “Concentration is key, along with observing not just the car in front, but several cars ahead. I make sure to leave plenty of space, a habit I’ve noticed even my own children don’t always follow.”
As an enthusiast for safe driving, Gill, despite his remarkable longevity, still adheres to the highest standards on the road, and hopes to renew his driving licence at 103.
A Wealth of Expertise
The GEM webinar will explore various topics vital to older drivers, such as driver eyesight, innovative insurance models, and the potential benefits of dashcams for road safety. Hosted by Valerie Singleton OBE, a long-time contributor to GEM’s Good Motoring magazine, the event is the third in a series of four webinars offered in collaboration with the Older Drivers Forum in 2024.
Rob Heard from the Older Drivers Forum, Bryn Brooker of Nextbase Dashcams, Richard King from Ticker Insurance, and Nigel Lloyd Jones from the Gloucestershire Older Driver Forum will all contribute their expertise to the discussion. Attendees can expect practical advice on topics such as:
Maintaining safe and legal eyesight for driving
The role of dashcams in enhancing road safety and providing critical video evidence
Winter car preparation tips
Addressing concerns about a loved one’s driving abilities
Exploring pay-per-mile insurance options for older drivers
A special feature of the webinar will delve into the new ‘black box’ insurance option for seniors, which could help older drivers reduce their premiums while improving their driving habits.
Road Safety for All Generations
GEM Motoring Assist encourages all senior drivers, their families, and anyone interested in driving safety to attend this engaging and educational webinar. Whether it’s insights into how to check a car before winter or strategies to broach sensitive conversations about driving safety with an older family member, this session promises to offer a broad array of useful information.
Valerie Singleton OBE, whose broadcasting career has spanned decades, is delighted to continue her collaboration with GEM. “It’s an honour to be part of such a meaningful initiative,” she said. “The insights shared during these webinars can make a real difference, not just for older drivers but for everyone on the road.”
A Vision of Safety for the Future
As driving technology and safety innovations continue to evolve, GEM Motoring Assist remains committed to providing valuable resources for all drivers. From dashcams to advanced insurance models, the landscape of motoring is changing, and this webinar ensures that older drivers are well-equipped to navigate these advancements while staying safe on the road.
To reserve a place at this insightful event, which promises to be both enlightening and inspiring, attendees can register here. Don’t miss the chance to learn from experts in the field and gain a rare glimpse into the driving experience of one of Britain’s most seasoned drivers.
