RAC celebrates volunteer drivers
Wednesday, 1 October 2008 12:00 AM
Elderly drivers are very important in their local communities and to younger relatives, the RAC Foundation believes
The RAC Foundation is to celebrate Older People's Day 2008 today by raising awareness of the social contribution of volunteer drivers in local communities.
According to the RAC Foundation, 50 per cent of retired people (between 65 and 74) volunteer their driving services to the community, getting involved in home visiting and taking patients to and from hospitals.
The mobility of older people enables interaction with younger people, with 25 per cent of families with children under 15 relying on grandparents to help out with the school-run and take kids to after- school clubs.
Being able to drive also enables older people to play a more active part in an increasingly dispersed family life.
To celebrate Older People's Day 2008, the RAC Foundation is calling for the public to recognise the immense benefits to be gained by everyone from enabling people to drive safely in their later years.
Sheila Rainger, RAC Foundation head of campaigns, said: "The stereotyped 'little old lady' behind the wheel is far more likely to be a dynamic local activist keeping the wheels of her community turning.
"For older people, just as for teenagers, a driving licence means freedom, flexibility and independence.
"Keeping older drivers on the road also helps communities benefit from this generation's time, wealth of experience and willingness to serve."
