Improving traffic safety for an aging society

Godwin, Stephen R.

Affiliations

¹Transportation Research Board, National Research Council

Abstract

By 202O, the population over age 65 in rhe U.S.A. will grow by an additional 15 million persons, to just over 50 million, and most trips by older persons in the future will be made in private automobiles. Current statistics show that older persons are more likely than middle aged drivers to be involved in a crash per mile driven and more likely to be injured or killed. In order to improve mobility and safety for older persons, a Transportation Research Board (TRB) study completed in 1988 recommended adjustments to highway standards, vehicle design, licensing practices, and provision of alternativem eanso f transportation. The study also noted considerable gaps in knowledge and recommended emphasis on research in biomechanics, human factors, and program evaluation. This paper summarizes the study findings and recommendationsto enhancet he safety of older persons.

Cited Works (2)

Year	Entry
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Cited By (1)

Year	Entry
1991	Ishikawa H, Yamazaki K, Ono K, Sasaki A. Current situation of pedestrian accidents and research into pedestrian protection in Japan. In: Proceedings of the 13th International Technical Conference on Experimental Safety Vehicles (ESV). November 4-7, 1991; Paris, France.281-293.