Citation

Alicandri E, Chrysler S. ITE J. 2009; 79(3): 24-28.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Institute of Transportation Engineers)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Many countries are facing the challenges of an aging population, making issues related to improving the safety and mobility of seniors a global concern. This paper highlights findings from a recent scan tour of Australia and Japan that investigated high-level policy and programs implemented in these countries that could potentially be adopted in the United States. Australia and Japan were chosen because of their similar demographics to the United States, their strong safety records and coordinated safety implementation programs. Based on the tour findings, a systems approach to safety is recommended to provide for integration of safety of older road users in broader safety objectives and programs. Infrastructure improvements that remove the go/no-go decision also appear to hold great promise. Cooperation from all levels of government is needed to ensure that mobility needs of seniors are met. Data, evidence-based planning and evaluation are critical to gaining political support for these efforts.