OLDER ROAD USERS: THE INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGY SCANNING PROGRAM SUMMARY REPORT

Implementation Strategies

The scan team firmly believes that much can be gained in the U.S. by implementing the systems approach to safety and in promoting innovative partnerships as seen in the countries visited.. To that end, the scan team plans a number of technical presentations and written papers at national meetings and conference sponsored by FHWA, AASHTO, and other organizations to disseminate information from the scan. The team has also formed a subgroup to draft the Scan Implementation Plan for the initiatives and strategies described above. The Scan Implementation Plan will be finalized prior to the completion of the final report.

The success of this international scan can be measured by the number of ideas brought back to the U.S. and translated into strategies that will improve safety and mobility for older road users. Provided below is the initial list of strategies developed from the knowledge acquired on this scan and believed to be the most critical for making progress in the U.S. These strategies while aimed at older persons will serve to improve safety for all road users.

Enhancement of U.S. Roadway Design and Operations Practice Integrate the knowledge of infrastructure improvements from Australia and Japan into relevant U.S. documents (e.g., FHWA Highway Design Handbook for Older Drivers and Pedestrians) and training programs.

Outreach to Non-Government Organizations Further the development of partnerships between government agencies, such as departments of transportation and health, and between government and non-government organizations (e.g., AARP and AAA) to address the needs of older road users. Joint activities may include driver training and self-assessment programs, visual screening, pairing of transport planning with retirement planning, and development of educational materials on a variety of mobility topics. These same outreach

Targeted Research Program Develop a research program on policies and interventions targeted at older road users. The scope of program should cover evaluation of specific interventions aimed at improving safety and mobility for older road users, development of new procedures and tools to aid practitioners in making decisions, and sharing of information on best practices through synthesis documents and professional conferences.

Establish Development Guidelines Develop planning and land development guidelines for congregate housing and related transportation facilities and services that are intended to meet the growing needs older populations and older road users. The guidelines would be developed to assist local governments and the development community in the planning and retrofitting of existing facilities, as well as to assist local governments in their evaluation of land development proposals as it relates to older populations and older road users. The proposal could become a joint venture research project to be cooperatively developed by national transportation and land development organizations.

Professional Training for Alternative Transportation Providers Develop training materials for professionals engaged in the business of providing alternative means of transport (e.g., transit, taxis, etc.) to educate them on the needs and capabilities of the elderly. Work with government and industry partners (e.g., FTA and APTA) to disseminate these materials within the profession.