An Omagh ambulance worker has urged older people to take extra care on the roads as darker evenings approach.

Ciara Shaw spoke at a road safety awareness event in Omagh Library, where she described the death of her father in November last year. He had taken a bus to a rural area and was struck by a vehicle while crossing the road. Ms Shaw said she learned of his death after going to an emergency department when he failed to return home.

The event focused on helping older people stay safe and maintain their independence. Debbie Mullin from Road Victim Support Northern Ireland-Donegal said there have been ten road deaths involving people over 65 this year, including four drivers, four pedestrians, one passenger and one motorcyclist.

Police Constable Cassells encouraged pedestrians to stop, look and listen when crossing. She also advised using designated crossings and wearing bright clothing, particularly as mornings and evenings get darker. Motorists were reminded to check their eyesight, keep vehicles roadworthy, and be aware of how medication might affect driving.

Optician Ryan McGrath said eyesight can deteriorate gradually with age. He advised anyone concerned about their vision to book an eye test and reminded motorists they must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres. He also said cataracts can affect both eyes and that changes often go unnoticed. He recommended wearing glasses if prescribed, and keeping glasses and windscreens clean to reduce glare when driving at night.

Pharmacist Bronagh Devine highlighted that certain medications can affect alertness, vision and reaction times, particularly when starting a new prescription or changing dosage. She said antihistamines, strong painkillers and some antidepressants can cause drowsiness or blurred vision, and encouraged people to seek advice from a pharmacist or GP about side effects.

Physiotherapist Joanne Patton stressed the importance of mobility, strength, balance and coordination. She said being able to turn the head and shoulders is important for checking blind spots while driving. She demonstrated simple exercises and used the phrase move it or lose it.

Driving instructor Eamonn Karran offered advice on following distances, blind spots, adjusting speed to conditions, and avoiding distractions. He advised leaving at least two seconds between vehicles, noting that stopping distances can increase fourfold in wet conditions and tenfold in snow.

The event also highlighted the work of Easilink, a community transport service supporting older people, people with disabilities and those in rural or isolated areas across Omagh, Strabane and Foyle. The service helps with essential journeys such as medical appointments, shopping and social activities.