Title

Safe mobility for a maturing society: challenges and opportunities

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

2003

Subject Area

Location - USA, Mobility - Independence, Modes of Transport - Car - Driving, Population - Seniors

Abstract

Today, 35 million Americans are age 65 or older. By 2030, this number will double to 70 million people. One in five Americans will be 65 or older. To provide safe mobility in the future, managers of our transportation system must lead the nation on many fronts: safer roadways, safer automobiles, better alternative transportation services, and improved competency of older drivers. Creative new partnerships are needed between stakeholders, including government at all levels, older persons themselves, their caregivers, social service agencies, automakers, insurance companies, commercial carriers, and local businesses. Through a series of regional forums, focus groups, conferences, and stakeholder roundtables held over the last several years, a vision of our future transportation system has evolved. Fulfillment of that vision will require a concerted effort by political leaders and the community of professionals who have an interest in the continued independence of older adults. This report lays out strategies for evaluation that will help to achieve this vision over the next 10 to 15 years. The following areas are targeted: 1) Safer, easier-to-use roadways and walkways; 2) Safer, easier-to-use automobiles; 3) Improved systems for assessing competency of older drivers and pedestrians; 4) Better, easier-to-use public transportation services; 5) Targeted state and local action plans; 6) Better public information; and 7) Basic and social policy research.