A new report makes the case for increasing funding, research andplanning to support older drivers navigating the roads now and into the future.

TRIP, a national non-profit transportation research group, todayreleased the report, “Keeping Baby Boomers Mobile: PreservingMobility and Safety for Older Americans.” In it, the groupemphasized that although state departments of transportation (DOTs)are doing a commendable job in trying to educate the public andsafeguard older drivers, there remains much room forinnovation.

“State transportation departments are doing what they can withlimited resources,” said AASHTO Executive Director John Horsley. “Along-term federal surface transportation reauthorization will givestate DOTs the ability to invest in infrastructure projects toenhance safety, decrease traffic congestion, and improve thesecurity and mobility of older Americans, who, [according to thestudy] make 90 percent of their trips by private vehicle.”

The basis for increasing funding and awareness is intimatelyrelated to two factors:

1. The number of Baby Boomers on the road is surging.
2. Older motorists are involved in a disproportionately high shareof deadly auto accidents.

The number of older Americans and their share of the overallpopulation surged in 2011, as the first of the Baby Boom generationbegan turning 65. This dramatic growth will continue throughout thedecade, and it is estimated that one in every five drivers in America will be age 65 or older by 2025.

Safer Roads, Safer Drivers

Despite the fact that the totalnumber of traffic fatalities dropped in recent years, older motorists aremore likely to lose their lives in an accident. TRIP reports thatthere were 5,750 traffic fatalities in 2010 involving at least onedriver 65 or older, and that even though drivers 65 and olderaccount for just 8 percent of all miles driven, they comprise 17percent of all traffic-related deaths.

“The growing ranks of older Americans will far outpace previousgenerations with their level of ability and activity,” said TRIPExecutive Director Will Wilkins. “Serving their needs will requiresafer roads, safer vehicles, safer drivers, and improved choices.Congress can help not only older drivers, but all drivers bypassing long-term federal surface transportation legislationnow.”

Source: www.transportation.org