Contribution of Behavioral Aspects of Older Drivers to Fatal Traffic Crashes in Florida
نویسندگان
چکیده
design more accessible living environments and to help the elderly maintain mobility in the wake of their growing number is a significant challenge to society. In 1995, the average older American made 3.4 trips per day, totaling 24.4 mi per day, which works out to be approximately 7.2 miles per trip (4). An increasing number of older adults will continue to travel, both as drivers and as pedestrians, as they age. Age-related changes could be relevant to safe driving performance. From an older traveler’s perspective, highway signs and other traffic control devices are frequently not large enough, not bright enough, or not properly located (6, 7 ) for safety. Complex intersections can be too confusing, and required walking speeds can be too fast for many older pedestrians (4). To investigate various factors potentially affecting older drivers, this paper examines contributing factors of fatal crashes in which the older drivers were involved as at-fault drivers. The analysis involved investigating the crashes on a case-by-case basis, looking for driver, vehicle, environment, and roadway factors that might have contributed to the fatal crashes. Individual data elements plus photographic evidence were compiled to assess whether more general deficiencies such as inadequate sight distances, inadequate pavement markings, inadequate pedestrian safety measures, and so forth existed at a specific site. Driver behavior and driver errors were noted, and vehicle speeds were reconstructed where possible. The goal of the research was to identify crash types in which older drivers were more frequently at fault and then to examine contributing factors in those crashes. A better understanding of factors contributing to older drivers’ crashes will help engineers and policy makers to create a more accessible transportation system.
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