There are more Americans over the age of 65 and more of them are driving than ever before. However, the number of fatal accidents involving those drivers is rising even faster. That's why, according to the non-profit transportation research group TRIP, public agencies should adopt traffic-safety improvements that are easier for older drivers to see and interpret.
“Preserving the Mobility and Safety of Older Americans” contains a wealth of national and state-by-state data on older drivers. For example, California, Florida, Texas, New York, and Pennsylvania have the most drivers 65 and older in terms of raw numbers; but West Virginia, Florida, Maine, Vermont, and Arkansas have a higher percentage of 65+ drivers relative to population. Data for each state can be found in the report’s appendix.
Americans want to maintain an active lifestyle for as long as possible, which means being able to drive. Ninety percent of drivers 65+ use a private vehicle and 79% live in car-dependent suburban and rural communities. While they tend to be more cautious and avoid risks, older drivers may face physical challenges -- diminished eyesight, reaction time, cognitive ability, and muscle dexterity -- that make driving more difficult. That has implications for transportation agencies.
“Wider lane striping, larger sign lettering, and more prominent milepost signage are just a few of the strategies that benefit older road users as well as all motorists and first responders,” says Nevada DOT Director Rudy Malfabon, who's chair of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Committee on Highway Traffic Safety. "These efforts help us move toward our vision of zero traffic fatalities.”
Americans who stop or limit their driving have limited options for maintaining mobility. Public transit may not be available in rural areas. Less than one-third of Americans 65 and older own a smartphone, which limits use of ride-sharing apps. Self-driving and connected vehicle technology may not be deployed soon enough or be widespread. The report offers recommendations designed to reduce the consequences of driving errors, making roads safer for all Americans, including:
• SAFER ROADS: clearer, brighter and simpler signage with large lettering; brighter street markings, particularly at intersections; widening or adding left-turn lanes and extending the length of merge or exit lanes; adding roundabouts where appropriate; adding rumble strips; and system planning and design to accommodate technology needs of connected and self-driving vehicles.
• SAFER ROAD USERS: promoting education and training programs for older drivers.
• SAFER VEHICLES: implementing self-driving and connected vehicle technology as well as vehicle safety features that address aging-related deficits, improving vehicles to help withstand and avoid crashes.
• IMPROVED CHOICES: ensuring public transit routes, vehicles, facilities and stops are easily accessible and accommodating to older or disabled passengers; and expanding non-traditional approaches tailored to the needs of older adults.
A longer list is available in the report.
