IMPACT OF PUBLIC INFORMATION ON SAFE TRANSPORTATION OF OLDER PEOPLE

The pace of age-related debilitating change cannot be predicted for the individual, but for older drivers as a group many characteristics can be anticipated and responses developed. Disseminating the growing body of knowledge on the physical and cognitive problems that older drivers must face sooner or later to a poorly informed public is one function of an information and education program. Second, this program would distribute the specialized information and corrective strategies that can help older people stay safely on the road longer. Third, the program would alert older people to the possibility that one day they may have to move out of the driver's seat and into an alternative form of transportation. This difficult transition point can be reconciled more easily with advance thought and planning. Fourth, the program would address the interest groups that have a particular stake in the safety and mobility of seniors, such as families, friends, doctors, therapists, other caregivers, traffic police, automobile manufacturers, highway engineers, social service agents, and lawmakers.