The sessions have been organised in response to new figures that show accidents are becoming increasingly common.

Central Tablelands area road safety officer Iris Dorsett said two information sessions for users of mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs would be run during Seniors Week.

“We take road safety very seriously and will be hosting a day in Bathurst and Blayney to education people on the use of scooters,” she said.

Blayney will host the first session in Centre-point on Wednesday, March 21, followed by the Bathurst workshop at the HACC Centre in Seymour Street from 1.30pm on Thursday, March 22.

Research conducted by the NRMA has revealed there were 62 deaths and hundreds of injuries associated with mobility scooter accidents over the past 10 years in Australia, with 14 more accidents still being investigated.

A nationwide survey is now being conducted to find out how many Australians use scooters, how many people have had near miss accidents and the main reasons people are using scooters.

The survey is open until April 5 at www.mynrma. com.au/scooters or phone 1300 302 502 to have the survey mailed out.

Sarah Court of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commiss-ion urged people to take part.

“The survey results will help us to better understand safety issues surrounding mobility scooters and their users and target any future work in this important area.”

n For more information on the Bathurst and Blayney sessions, phone Ms Dorsett on 6333 6517.