A heartwarming community initiative in Busan is helping elderly drivers stay safe on the road while supporting their right to remain mobile and independent.

On 11th August, Shincheonji Busan Church launched its “Beautiful Companion” campaign, involving 48 elderly private-car drivers among its advisory members. The initiative aims to prevent accidents involving older drivers while ensuring that they are not unnecessarily deprived of their mobility.

Rather than simply encouraging elderly people to stop driving, the campaign focuses on helping them assess their driving abilities, address potential safety concerns, and explore alternative transportation options where necessary.

As part of the programme, participating seniors underwent customised cognitive assessments designed to help them objectively evaluate changes in their physical and cognitive abilities. Of the participants, 41 signed a safety pledge, committing themselves to safer and more responsible driving.

For participants who did not meet certain driving standards or needed additional safety measures, the organisers provided information about installing pedal misoperation prevention devices. They also assisted with the application process and paperwork, helping to reduce the administrative burden for elderly drivers.

The campaign also distributed magnetic vehicle stickers bearing messages such as “Elderly person is on board” and “Thank you for your consideration.” The stickers are intended to encourage other road users to exercise greater caution and consideration around elderly drivers.

Young adult members of the Busan Church also played an important role by providing personalised guidance on digital transportation services. They taught seniors unfamiliar with smartphones and other digital devices how to call taxis, search public transportation routes, and use mobility applications. In this way, the initiative went beyond promoting safer driving by helping elderly people become comfortable with alternative forms of transportation.

Song Jun-sik, 72, from Saha-gu, who participated in the campaign, said, “I could feel my reflexes declining as I grew older, but I didn't know what to do because I couldn't simply stop driving.” He added, “The young people helped me apply for safety equipment and patiently showed me how to use alternative transportation apps. It eased many of my concerns.”

He continued, “I now feel more confident that I can protect not only myself but also other people on the road.”

Shincheonji Busan Church plans to develop the “Beautiful Companion” campaign into a regular welfare programme. It also intends to expand traffic-safety education to senior welfare centres and veterans' organisations throughout Busan.

Further support, including material assistance and mobility services, is also planned for people who face difficulties accessing transportation.

Lee Young-no, head of the Busan James Branch, said, “The issue of elderly drivers is not something that should be left to individuals or addressed solely through existing systems. It is a challenge that the whole community needs to consider and work together to resolve.”

He added, “We will continue to harness the energy and abilities of young people to help build a caring local community where elderly residents can remain safe, respected, and supported.”

Source: vo.la/9WMJ9Eg