摘要: |
The objective of this synthesis report is to document the range of strategies and related programs underway at national, state, and local levels to improve the safety and mobility of older road users. Topic areas addressed include planning for the older road user, roadway engineering and traffic operations, driver licensing, public information and education, and enforcement and adjudication. Omitted from the scope of this report were programs that address alternative transportation for older adults. Because activities in these important areas are not limited to a single agency, the synthesis incorporates information from a variety of national and state agencies, organizations, and professional associations. Information was also gathered from a review of the literature, Internet searches, personal communications, and from four separate surveys. The surveys were distributed either by mail or electronically through the Internet. In addition to state departments of transportation (DOTs), surveys were sent to state driver license agencies, state highway safety offices, and state units on aging. Results from these four surveys have been incorporated into the report to provide a snapshot of older road user programs and activities across the nation. With regard to planning for an aging road user population, the report identified six states with comprehensive plans in place for improving older road user safety and mobility: California, Florida, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, and Oregon. Planning activities have also occurred in New York State; Maricopa County, Arizona; and in the Delaware Valley region of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Ten of the 24 states responding to the state DOT survey indicated that older driver issues are addressed in their strategic highway safety plans and 8 stated that they had formed statewide coalitions to address older driver safety and mobility needs from a broader perspective. Only a few of the states, however, noted involvement of their state health department, department on aging, AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons), or other agencies and organizations in the planning process. Such collaborations are considered a critical component to successful planning for older road user safety and mobility. |