Driver has perfect record

Peter Woodhams says he is not a perfect driver, but his traffic record states otherwise.

For 64 years behind the wheel, the Albany resident has never been issued with a traffic infringement or been convicted of a driving offence.

It is this clean record that led to the 81-year-old Mr Woodhams being recognised by the region’s police this week.

Ahead of the annual Operation Crossroads Christmas road safety campaign, Great Southern traffic police presented Mr Woodhams with a safe driver recognition certificate on Monday in light of his commitment to road safety.

Cars and driving have changed a lot since Mr Woodhams first obtained his licence in Wagin in 1950, but his attitude behind the wheel has not.

“I don’t think I’ve got a motto — I just watch where I’m going,” Mr Woodhams said.

“Vehicles are very different now. I was well into my 60s before we got an automatic.”

Great Southern traffic’s Sergeant Peter May said Mr Woodhams was an outstanding example to all motorists.

“There is someone who has had his licence for 64 years and you don’t get to drive that length of time without incurring an infringement or a conviction without having the right outlook,” Sgt May said.

“He takes it on the chin and says there is not much in it, but I think it is just the opposite because he obviously takes road safety seriously and does the right thing all the time.”

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