Unsung Heroes: Helping older drivers stay safe on the road

David Fox, with his dog Bindi, has been working with community groups for over 40 years. Photo / Greg Bowker

David Fox spends his time patiently helping mature road users overcome their difficulties and realise their limits.

As part of his volunteer work in South Auckland, Mr Fox helps at Safe With Age courses, a programme for mature drivers organised by the former Land Transport New Zealand.

"We give them little problems to solve, and go through the Road Code, things like that. We help make them aware of their limitations as they get older. There's no pass or fail.

"And it's amazing what the facilitators of these courses learn too, such as the give way rules, and how often you should check your rear view mirrors."

As part of his work with the elderly, Mr Fox helps organise assessments of driving ability with local driving instructors.

People over 80, " ... no longer have to sit a driving test. This evaluation lets them acknowledge their limits. And again, there's no pass or fail".

Mr Fox became involved with Age Concern when he and his family moved from Kawerau to Auckland in the early 1970s.

His late wife Eileen had been a volunteer with the organisation, and encouraged her husband to help out. When she took on a paid job with Age Concern, Mr Fox acquired the use of a Lions community van.

He was then able to gather up groups of elderly residents in the area and take them on regular outings.

"I just took a group of them to the water gardens in Patumahoe, they're wonderful. I've been going there for 15 years or so."

Mr Fox's work with community groups began in earnest when the family moved from England to the eastern Bay of Plenty in 1967. He started a youth club attached to the Anglican church in Kawerau, with weekend get-togethers at the local tennis pavilion.

He joined the local Lions Club, and received several awards for his community service.

"I enjoy talking to people and see lots while out on my morning walks with Bindi, my dog, and we all chat."

The 78-year-old is also president of the Papatoetoe branch of U3A (University of the Third Age), and belongs to local wine appreciation and food appreciation groups.

But the number of groups assisted by Mr Fox might drop soon, he feels.

"Well, it would make sense for food and wine to amalgamate, wouldn't it?"

Mr Fox was nominated by Age Concern Counties Manukau.