To develop design guidelines and a framework for evaluating the safety of ITS applications for older drivers.

A review of infrared and ultraviolet vision enhancement systems is provided along with guidelines related both to older drivers and vision enhancement systems, which have the potential to assist drivers to see at night.  These guidelines were compiled for the Transportation Development Centre by the University of Calgary in Canada from various international and domestic sources.

A number of topics were reviewed that contribute to understanding older drivers, including transportation ergonomics, driver fatalities and injuries, visual and attentional limitations, compensatory behavior, and technology usage.  Guidelines which stressed the importance of considering the needs of older drivers were developed to be used in all ITS design.  These guidelines and evaluation framework will assist designers, ergonomists, manufacturers, and researchers who wish to determine the relative safety of ITS products.

Transportation Development Centre (TDC)

800 Rene Levesque Blvd. West, Suite 600

Montreal, Quebec H3B 1X9

Email:  tdccdt@tc.gc.ca

To determine whether a multi-component physical conditioning program could improve driving performance among older drivers.

Results are reported from a study of drivers age 70 and older with increased driving risk due to physical impairments.  Current driving performance was assessed in an on-the-road evaluation before participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group.  Those in the control group received general information on safety issues facing older adults today; participants in the intervention group received this information in addition to 12 weekly visits by a physical therapist who guided them through a graduated exercise program.  The program focused on physical abilities known to be associated with driving (axial/extremity conditioning, upper extremity coordination/dexterity and hand strength, and gait and foot abnormalities).  Results indicated that the intervention group maintained their driving performance, while controls declined.  The program was safe, could be performed in 15 minutes a day or less, and could be done at home.  Further research is needed to determine the clinical relevance of the intervention program.

Richard A. Marottoli, MD, MPH

Geriatrics, 240, VA Connecticut

950 Campbell Ave

West Haven, CT  06516

Email: Richard.marottoli@ynhh.org

To improve traffic safety by focusing on urban signal controlled intersections.

RIPD represents a partnership among public and government agencies/ organizations as well as the cities of Detroit and Grand Rapids.  AAA has developed a toolkit that assists communities to work with transportation engineers to make low cost improvements (e.g., increasing the lens size of traffic signals, changing signal timing, incorporating left-turn only lanes, adding pedestrian signal displays and overhead traffic signals, and improving placement of traffic signals) at nearly 400 high-crash signalized intersections in Michigan and in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Jack Peet, AAA Michigan/ ACG

1 Auto Club Drive

Dearborn, MI 48126

Tel: (313) 336-1412

Email:  jcpeet@aaamichigan.com

To provide older adults with a computer-based program that they can complete in the privacy of their own home to allow them to measure the eight abilities most correlated to crash risk.

Developed by AAA and transportation safety researchers, AAA Roadwise Review allows older adults to measure such abilities as leg strength, head and neck flexibility, high-contrast visual acuity, low-contrast visual acuity, working memory, visualization of missing information, visual search, and visual information processing speed.  The program identifies potential problem areas and suggests ways to correct them.  Many visual, medical, and physical rehabilitation options are available that can add substantially to the safe driving years of normal aging individuals.  Just as an individual monitors their physical health, users of the tool can now measure changes in their driving health.

Dannielle Sherrets

AAA National

607 14^th St. NW, Suite 200

Washington, DC  20005

Tel: 202-942-2063

Email: dsherrets@national.aaa.com

To help drivers enhance existing skills and develop defensive driving techniques.

A $10 fee is charged for a 2-day, 8-hour course, taught, promoted, and administered by volunteers. AARP members and non-members are eligible for the program. Among the topics discussed are the effects of medication and aging on driving ability, reaction time changes, left turns and other right-of way situations, new traffic laws, crash avoidance strategies, self screening, and alternative transportation. Successful completion may result in lower auto insurance rates. Funded by AARP and NHTSA.

Volunteer subjects from AARP in four states were randomly assigned to attend the session or to receive no training. Researchers examined driving practices, medical problems, traffic problems, violations, and crashes. The training was found to be effective in increasing subjects’ general knowledge of safe driving, with subjects’ knowledge retained throughout the 14-month evaluation period. There were no statistically significant differences in crash involvement between the trained and untrained group, although annual violation rates were significantly lower among the trained group. Only 21 percent of the 10,000 volunteers who agreed to participate in the training actually completed it and provided crash data. Although a similar proportion of the control group provided follow-up crash data, by the end of the study, the remaining participants in the two groups no longer represented a random sample.  A 2005 mail survey of 3,512 random graduates of the Driver Safety Program found that 91 percent had changed at least one driving behavior as a result of taking the course.  The top five behaviors that graduates reported changing were: checking blind spots, following distance and space cushion, paying more attention when entering/exiting highways, and yielding right of way.  These behaviors correspond with topics emphasized in the course.  The study also found that 80 percent of graduates felt material learned in the course has helped prevent them from being involved in a traffic crash.

AARP

601 E. Street NW

Washington, DC 20049

Tel: 1-888-227-7669

Web: http://www.aarp.org/drive or www.aarp.org/drive/online.

To provide step by step guides to promote mobility choices for older adults in local communities.

This toolkit provides a number of resources for state AARP offices and their partners interested in increasing mobility options for older adults.  The toolkit contains three components:  a Mobility Forum planning guide, a presenter’s guide and DVD about Riding the Bus, and a Pedestrian Safety Action Guide for building walkable communities.  The Mobility Forum guide is based on several previous successful efforts to improve older adult mobility and includes information to help planners determine participants, plan an agenda, and publicize the event.  Provided on the DVD are a series of printable resources, such as sample checklists, media advisories, agendas, and evaluation reports.  The Riding the Bus presenter’s guide is designed for a 60 minute presentation using an 11 minute DVD used to facilitate discussion.  The program is intended to improve the image of riding the bus and encourage older adults to use the bus to remain connected to their communities.  In addition to the DVD, talking points, checklists, participant travel worksheets and evaluation reports are also provided to assist the presenter.  The third component, the Pedestrian Safety Action Guide, provides a way to enhance walking options for older adults and is based mainly on lessons learned from a successful initiative in Hawaii.  Funded by AARP.

AARP Outreach and Service

601 E Street, NW

Washington, DC 20049

Tel: (202) 434-3919

Web: http://www.aarp.com

To provide transportation services.

The program provides paratransit, shared-ride, or door-through-door transportation countywide. Human service agencies in the county use ACCESS who provides rides through contracts with for-profit and nonprofit carriers.  Services are provided 7 days a week from 6 AM-Midnight.  Funded by local funds.

ACCESS was a winner of the 2005 United We Ride Leadership Award, which recognizes programs that successfully meet the needs of older adults, disabled persons, and/or those with lower incomes.

ACCESS Transportation Systems

650 Smithfield Street
Centre City Tower, Suite 440
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Tel: (412) 562-5353

Fax: (412) 391-0594

Web:  http://www.portauthority.org/PAAC/CustomerInfo/ACCESS/tabid/121/Default.aspx

To educate drivers about the process of getting a motor vehicle adapted.

The brochure provides information about the process that individuals should go through when in need of adaptive technology, including evaluating needs, identifying the right vehicle for those needs, finding a qualified dealer to modify the vehicle, getting trained, and maintaining the vehicle.  Information is provided about programs/agencies that will assist with costs, how to find a qualified evaluator and dealer, and how to obtain training to use the new equipment.  A resource list is also provided.  A new version specifically prepared for older drivers, who do not necessarily see themselves as disabled, is currently being created.  Funded by NHTSA.

Tel:  (888) 327-4236

Tel (TDD): (800) 424-9153

Web:  http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov

Email:  Use webmaster on website.

To provide support to those dealing with dementia and driving cessation issues.

This reality-based DVD presents the experiences of four sets of individuals and families living with driving cessation.  It includes tailored messages for primary healthy care professionals, individuals and families living with dementia, and organizations interested in developing specialized support groups to address driving cessation issues.

Bonnie M. Dobbs, PhD

Director Of Research

Division of the Care of the Elderly

Department of Family Medicine

205 College Plaza, 8215-112 Street

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2C8

Tel: 780-492-0374

Fax: 780-492-8191

Email: bdobbs@ualberta.ca

To provide public transportation services that meet the needs of the community.

AMTRAN provides fixed route service in the greater Altoona area.  Buses are lift-equipped and some buses “kneel” for easier access.  Older adults age 65 and older ride free on all bus routes all day Saturday, as well as Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM and after 5:30 PM.  A driver sensitivity training program is offered.  Older adults are targeted in marketing strategies to encourage ridership, and older adult volunteers promote and teach other older adults how to use the services thorough a “bus buddy” program.  Funded through state lottery programs.

This program was recognized in the 2004 GAO for Transportation-Disadvantaged Seniors as a local service provider or practice that can enhance transportation-disadvantaged older adults’ mobility.

AMTRAN

3301 Fifth Avenue
Altoona, PA 16602
(814) 944-4074

Web:  http://www.amtran.org

To provide affordable and accessible alternative transportation options.

AVTA offers a shared-ride program in both urban and rural areas.  It provides curb-to-curb service for older adults and individuals with disabilities.  In rural areas, service is available to everyone Monday through Friday.  Advance notice of 1–3 days is required for trips, but same-day service is available.  They also provide group discounts.  AVTA provides a shuttle that is available on Tuesdays for transportation to certain medical facilities in the Los Angeles area, and allows free passage for adults age 65 and older on local transit service, weekdays from 9-5 and all day long on weekends.  Funded by federal and local grants and state funding.

AVTA

1031 West Avenue L-12

Lancaster, CA 93534

Tel: 661-945-9445

Web:  http://www.avta.com

Email:  pholland@avta.com

To provide a broad range of transportation services for older adults and disabled adults.

Both volunteer and paid drivers provide transportation throughout urban and rural areas. Through contractual agreements, the program uses service providers to provide curb-to-curb, door-to-door, door-through-door, and escorted rides Monday through Friday and on weekends (using a taxi service and volunteers from the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program).  Riders must make reservations at least 48 hours before the ride is needed.  The program also provides older adult volunteer companions for homebound older adults through a Senior Companions Program. Funded by Idaho DOT, Idaho Senior Service Act, and The College of Southern Idaho.

A case study by the Beverly Foundation found that the greatest strength of the program was its ability to provide a wide range of transportation. The Foundation has recognized it as an award-winning program.

College of Southern Idaho

P.O. Box 1238

Twin Falls, Idaho 83303-1238

Tel: 208-736-2122

Fax: 208-736-2126

To provide a broad range of transportation services for older adults and disabled adults.

Both volunteer and paid drivers provide transportation throughout this highly urbanized area.  A number of these programs are funded by the agency, while others are provided via other agencies.  Through contractual agreements, the programs use service providers to provide door-to-door, door-through-door, and escorted rides.  Funded by the Older American Act, State and county funds, fares and contributions.

The agency conducted small-scale surveys of the transportation programs and results show that older adults are pleased with the services, noting their timeliness and effectiveness.  Ninety-eight percent of survey respondents indicated great satisfaction with the services.  A case study by the Administration on Aging showed the agency’s coordination activities have been successful in working together, planning for community needs, and moving people efficiently.

Arlington Agency on Aging

3033 Wilson Blvd., Suite 700B

Arlington, VA 22201

Tel: 703-228-1700

Fax: 703-228-1148

Email: arlaaa@arlingtonva.us

Web: www.arlingtonva.us

To help health care professionals use uniform criteria when assessing a patient’s fitness to drive.

Information is provided about various mental and physical conditions, and habits that can affect driving safety.  These materials for health care professionals have been accepted by all licensing authorities in Australia.  Funded by Austroads—an association of Australian and New Zealand road transport and traffic authorities.

The National Transport Commission performed a review in 2005 to assess the impact of administrative changes introduced with the 2003 edition.  Health professionals, health professional organizations, consumer health organizations, transport organizations, unions and driver licensing authorities were also consulted regarding possible suggestions, improvements, and urgent issues to be addressed.  The survey found widespread acceptance of the standards and general processes for assessing fitness to drive. Significant problems with the conditional licensing provisions were not found, although ongoing education is required to assist in application.

Austroads

P.O. Box K659

Haymarket, NSW, 2000

Australia

Web:  http://www.austroads.com.au/aftd/index.html

Email:  austroads@austroads.com.au

To assist physicians in gathering patient information relating to driving ability.

Included are recommendations on: how to obtain information on patients’ driving history, medication use, medical illnesses, and functional ability levels, including vision and attention; how to assess alcohol related problems, using the CAGE questionnaire; what to do if a patient does not follow a physician’s advice to stop driving; and where to refer patients for further information or rehabilitation.

David B. Carr, M.D.

Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology

Washington University School of Medicine

4488 Forest Park Blvd.

St. Louis, MO 63108

Email: dcarr@im.wustl.edu

To help individuals and caregivers determine when it is time to stop driving.

This guide provides practical tools for every stage of the process of driving cessation, from monitoring behavior to limiting and ultimately stopping driving.  The information is based on the experiences of family caregivers and people with dementia, as well as suggestions from experts in medicine, gerontology and transportation.  The guide includes a worksheet for caregivers to note dates and incidences of good and bad driving practices, and also an informal agreement worksheet signed by the person with dementia that designates a caregiver to take necessary steps to ensure safe driving for the future.  The guide, found online or in hardcopy, is available in both English and Spanish.  Developed by The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., in collaboration with the MIT Age Lab and Connecticut Community Care, Inc.

Forty-five caregivers and nine individuals with dementia participated in in-depth, semi-structured interviews to learn how families perceive and manage driving and transportation issues when a person has dementia.  To be eligible for the study, participants needed to have a probable diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease or related disorder. In most cases, the person with dementia was either still driving or had stopped driving within the last 2 years.  Funded by a grant from The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.

The Hartford

At the Crossroads

200 Executive Blvd.

Southington, CT 06489

Web: www.thehartford.com/alzheimers

To help older individuals live independently and remain an active and vital part of the community.

A service of Butler County Senior Services, Busy Wheels is a demand-response transportation option.  Volunteer drivers transport older adults to medical appointments, grocery stores, pharmacies, older adult centers, or to run other errands.  Services are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM.  Butler County Senior Services also offers a Handi Van, which provides transportation to community members of all ages with disabilities.  Funded by donations, and county, state, and federal funds.

This program was recognized in the 2004 GAO for Transportation-Disadvantaged Seniors as a local service provider or practice that can enhance transportation-disadvantaged older adult’s mobility.

Butler County Senior Services

592 D Street

David City, Nebraska  68632

Tel: (402) 367-6131

Web: http://www.lincoln.ne.gov/city/mayor/aging/butler.htm

To provide safe, reliable, efficient, and diversified transportation options.

The Cadillac/Wextford Transit authority is a demand-response transit system for Wexford County.  In addition to its door to door service, CWTA provides transportation to area human service agencies and offers a “Healthway Express.”  This lift-equipped bus provides non-emergency medical-related transportation to residents.  Older adult volunteers ride along to help the passengers use the bus system and answer any questions they might have, and may be compensated with free bus passes.  Riders also have the option of creating a personal profile of their medical concerns with the transit system, so that transit staff can respond appropriately in an emergency medical situation.  Additionally, CWTA provides transportation for cancer patients and their families traveling to the Bierdman Cancer Treatment Center in Traverse City.  Services are available Monday through Friday from 6AM to 5:30 PM.  Local older adults pay $1 one way for city fares; out-of-county riders are charged $1.50.  In 2006, older adults and passengers with disabilities accounted for 76 percent of ridership.  Funded locally through public transportation millages.

Mr. Vance Edwards, Manager

1202 North Mitchell,
Cadillac, MI 49601
Phone: (231) 775-9411
Fax: (231) 775-9420
cwta@michweb.net

To identify impaired older drivers in a licensing agency.

This is a three-tiered assessment program that incorporates sensory, perceptual, psychomotor, and cognitive assessment tools.  The first tier consists of brief and inexpensive screening tests to identify impaired license applicants whose driving is likely impaired.  The second tier consists of longer and more elaborate tests to identify drivers who might do poorly on an actual road test.  The third tier consists of an on-road test.   If a driver passes the first tier, he or she only needs to pass a knowledge test to be relicensed.  If a driver partially fails tier one and passes or partially fails tier two, the department delivers an educational intervention to help him or her compensate for limited abilities.  If a driver completely fails tiers one or two, or partially fails tiers one and two, he or she must take the road test.  Based on the results, a determination will be made as to whether or not the driver should be relicensed.  Pilot testing funded by NHTSA.

In exploratory pilot testing, it was found that the tests used in each of the tiers were fairly successful in differentiating between drivers with age-related medical conditions and otherwise healthy older drivers.  In addition, performance on the on-road test could be moderately predicted by results of some of the first and second tier tests.  It was recommended that a larger validation study be undertaken.  A follow up study yielded similar results regarding the effectiveness of the assessment system.  The most functionally limited drivers were found to have a relatively low crash risk.  This is likely because most limited drivers are more aware of their deficiencies, and compensate by driving less, reducing their exposure to crash risk.  Similarly, somewhat functional drivers had the highest crash risk.  Additional pilot studies be performed to evaluate the three-tier processes and outcomes are recommended.

Mary Janke

California DMV

1st Avenue, Mail Station F-126

Sacramento, CA 95818

Tel: 916-657-7032

Fax: 916-657-8589

Email: mjanke@dmv.ca.gov

California Department of Motor Vehicles

Research and Development Branch - F126

P.O. Box 932382

Sacramento, CA 94232-3280

To provide safe and reliable transportation to apartment residents.

Transportation is provided to all residents 7 days a week, daytime and evenings.  Curb-to-curb, fixed route, door-to-door, and door-through-door services are provided.  Transportation is provided to grocery stores, shopping centers, banks, and medical appointments.  Staff work with area churches and synagogues to arrange transportation for weekly services, special events, and holiday celebrations.  The community relies on the financial support of individual donors, private foundations, and benevolent businesses to help cover the costs associated with the transportation services.

The program has been recognized as an award-winning program and received the 2003 STAR Award from the Beverly Foundation.

Cliff Pepper, Executive Director

Campbell-Stone North Apartments

350 Carpenter Dr. NE

Atlanta, GA 30328

Tel: 404-256-2612

Fax: 404-843-3426

Email: CPepper@campbellstone.org

Web: www.campbellstone.org

To extend the safe driving period for older drivers by developing a standardized clinical assessment tool.

CanDRIVE is an interdisciplinary health related research program dedicated to improving the safety of older drivers. The group examines and evaluates the effectiveness of current retraining programs and the use of restricted licensing, and is focused on developing a clinical screening tool to identify unsafe older drivers.  To develop this standardized screening tool, the group will first identify risk factors associated with unsafe driving.  Studies that follow will identify and overcome barriers to putting the screening tool into practice, as well as examine the psychological and social issues that affect older drivers to guarantee the tools are accepted by the target audience.  Finally, CanDRIVE hopes to create a nationwide network of researchers focused on extending the number of safe driving years for older people by acting as a hub of information and resources.  Funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) - Institute of Aging.

Lynn MacLeay, Program Manager

Ottawa Hospital Resaerch Institute
505 Smyth Road, Room 2505
The Rehabilitation Centre of Ottawa
Ottawa (ON) K1H 8M2
Tel.: (613) 737-8899, ext.79742
Web: http://www.candrive.ca

To provide affordable and accessible transportation.

The program uses lift-equipped vehicles to provide transportation as well as assistance with boarding the buses.  Older adults age 65 and older ride free of charge.  Funding provided by sales tax and federal funds.

Nancy Crowther

2910 E. Fifth

Austin, TX 78702

Tel: (512) 389-7583

Web: http://www.capmetro.org

Email:  nancy.crowther@capmetro.org

To provide information to older adults to ensure that their vehicle fits them properly.

Created by the American Society on Aging and developed in collaboration with AAA, AARP, and the American Occupational Therapy Association, CarFit is an educational program that uses a 12-point checklist to help older drivers determine how well they fit in their vehicles.  Steering wheel height, seats, mirrors, head restraints, and many other elements of the vehicle are examined to see whether they should be adjusted to accommodate the physical changes associated with aging, and, thereby improve driving safety and comfort.  All of these elements can be reviewed in a 15 minute comprehensive check provided by trained personnel at a CarFit event.

Dannielle Sherrets

AAA National

607 14th St. NW, Suite 200

Washington, DC  20005

Tel: 202-942-2063

Email: dsherrets@national.aaa.com

Jeff Finn

American Society on Aging

Tel: 301-502-1734

Email: Finn49@comcast.net

Susan Hardenburgh

AARP

Tel: 202-434-6008

Email: shardenburgh@aarp.org

Elin Schold Davis

American Occupational Therapy Association

Tel: 952-942-8859

Email: escholddavis@aota.org

To provide an assortment of services to older adults in Chemchung County, New York.

Services are limited to Chemung County residents who no longer drive, do not own cars, who do not have others who can drive them and are unable to pay for their own transportation.  Demand-response and escort services are available for trip to medical appointments, congregate meal sites, older adult centers, public agencies, some recreational events.  This service is coordinated with County Transit, Medicaid, and other transportation providers in the community.  Service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Donations are encouraged and welcomed.

Chemung County Department of Aging and Long Term Care

425 Pennsylvania Ave.
P.O. Box 588
Elmira, NY 14902-0588
Phone: (607) 737-5520
Fax: (607) 737-5521

Email: ofa@co.chemung.ny.us

To help older adults remain independent by providing door-to-door transportation.

For a prepaid fee, older adults receive rides in a personal vehicle with a driver. Participants receive credit on their auto insurance policies if they agree to use their own vehicles only in an emergency. Rides are available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week by the Mears Transportation Group, and can be scheduled up to 1 day in advance. Riders can try out the program on a trial basis. Three pricing plans are available for riders. Funded by USAA Insurance Company.

Following 2 years of development, the program was field tested during an 18-month period in Orlando, FL, and began on July 1998.

USAA Insurance Company

9800 Fredericksburg Road

San Antonio, TX 78288

Tel: 800-535-8695

To help those who are experiencing age-related changes, a progressive disease, or an acute illness to continue driving safely.

The administering hospital partners with various agencies to develop and enhance systems and to assess the current driving skills of older adults for alternative transportation.  A comprehensive evaluation is conducted by a physical therapist, and participants receive information on how to continue driving safely.  Information is also shared with the patient’s referring physician or primary care provider.

Flower Hospital

5200 Harroun Rd.
Slyvania, OH  43560

Tel: 419-824-1116

Email:  leslie.vassar@promedica.org

To provide a variety of health services within the American Indian and Alaska Native community.

The program provides door-to-door and door-through-door transportation services as well as escorts for medical visits on weekdays during the daytime.  Because many clients require the use of an interpreter, almost half of all community health representative staff can speak the Muscogee language fluently or can understand it well enough to act as client advocates.  Trips are scheduled at least 2 days in advance and there are no fees for utilizing this service. Funded by Indian Health Services.

This program received the 2003 STAR Award from the Beverly Foundation.

Cyndi Gilks, Manager

Community Health Representative, Muscogee (Creek) Nation

700 N. Mission

Okmulgee, OK 74447

Tel 918-756-1941

To provide safe and affordable transportation services.

COAST is a nonprofit, public benefit, social service agency located in Colfax, WA.  It provides a wide range of transportation services in a large rural region in eight counties and two states.  Its direct services range from regular weekly and biweekly routes linking small communities with area service centers, demand response, and volunteer escort services.  Many transportation vehicles are wheelchair-lift equipped and meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.  All COAST vehicle operators have been training in passenger assistance techniques.  Eighteen different transportation programs provide or assist with trips.    Funded by Aging & Long Term Care of Eastern Washington, DSHS Health Recover Service Administration, private charters and contracts, Colfax & Community Fund, Idaho Region II Area Agency on Aging, Department of Health of Welfare, fares, private charters and contracts, child care agencies, and private donations.

The Administration on Aging identified COAST as one of the most coordinated transportation services in the US.  COAST’s coordination activities have both been highly successful and somewhat unique in coordinating a broad range of services, and have been able to utilize a wide range of funding sources for the program.

Council on Aging and Human Services

P.O. Box 107

Colfax, WA 99111-0107

Tel: 800-873-9996 or 509-397-2935

Fax: 509-397-9229

Email: coast@stjohncable.com

Web: www.coa-hs.org/coast.htm

To provide a basic reference to assist State Highway Safety Offices in selecting effective, science-based traffic safety countermeasures for major highway safety problem areas.

Developed by the Governors Highway Safety Association and NHTSA, this guide describes current initiatives in a variety of highway safety issues, including older driver safety.  The guide is divided into sections by problem area. Each section describes the problem, lists specific countermeasures and summarizes their use, effectiveness, costs and implementation time, and provides references to the most important research summaries and individual studies.  State agencies interested in these countermeasures are encouraged to contact references for further guidance.   The section on older driver safety addresses countermeasures in the areas of communication and outreach, licensing and law enforcement, including formal classes, license screening and testing, and the roles of law enforcement.  The guide is updated annually to address new problem issues as they arise, as well as include new innovative programs.  Funded by NHTSA.

Countermeasures That Work

NHTSA

Office of Research and Technology, NTI-130

400 Seventh Street SW., Room 5119

Washington, DC 20590

Email: countermeasuresthatwork@nhtsa.dot.gov

To provide high-quality services that support the full participation of older adults in community life.

DARTS provides door-through-door transportation to older adults, ADA-certified riders, and others on wheelchair accessible buses based on reservations up to 4 days in advance.  The central dispatch office takes appointments for local rides and makes arrangements with local transit, neighboring Metro Mobility networks, and other transportation providers in the region.  Funded by the Metropolitan Council, Older Americans Acts, contracts with county agencies, and rider fares.

Results of the 2003 New Rider Survey indicate that first-time riders were very pleased with DARTS services; 96.8 percent describe their first time experience using DARTS as very positive and 98.4 percent would recommend DARTS to others.  DARTS also received the 2005 United We Ride National Leadership Award for coordination of social service transportation.  A case study by the Administration on Aging found that DARTS coordination activities have been particularly successful in progress through working together, planning to community needs, and putting customers first.

DARTS

1645 Marthaler Lane

West St. Paul, MN 55118

Tel: 651-455-1339

Fax: 651-234-2280

Email: info@darts1.org

Web: www.darts1.org

To assist physicians in identifying potential driving impairments and help them to impose “common sense restrictions” on driving.

The guide provides a detailed review of various medical, mental, and emotional factors that could influence an individual’s fitness to drive.  Also provided are information and descriptions from the licensing authority regarding medical fitness to drive, contact information for reporting unfit drivers, locations of driver assessment centers, and diagnostic tools to assess driving ability.  The updated 2006 edition includes advice for helping aging patients adjust to driving cessation, sections on assessing medical fitness for railway and aviation workers, and advice on legal issues associated with driver assessment.   Funded by Canadian Medical Association.

Member Service Centre

Canadian Medical Association

1867 Alta Vista Drive

Ottawa ON K1G 3Y6

Tel: 888-855-2555 or 613-731-8610x2307

Web: http://www.cma.ca/index.cfm/ci_id/18223/la_id/1.htm

To provide assistance to health care professionals dealing with dementia patients and fitness to drive issues.

This DVD is a sociodrama series of seven story segments.  It follows the patient from a routine family physician visit, to diagnosis of dementia, to dealing with the ‘fitness to drive’ decision.  There is heavy emphasis on communication strategies to assist the physician and other healthy care professionals in dealing with these difficult conversations.

Bonnie M. Dobbs, PhD

Director Of Research

Division of the Care of the Elderly

Department of Family Medicine

205 College Plaza, 8215-112 Street

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2C8

Tel: 780-492-0374

Fax: 780-492-8191

Email: bdobbs@ualberta.ca

To provide comprehensive clinical driving evaluations and recommendations based on a person’s needs and abilities.

The program offers individual evaluations by trained occupational therapists for people referred to the program by a physician.  The clinical evaluation includes the following:  medical and driving history, visual and perceptual assessment, physical abilities’ evaluation, cognitive testing, and driving knowledge tests.  Following the clinical evaluation, specific recommendations are provided regarding an on-road evaluation, vehicle adaptations, vehicle selection, and equipment recommendations.  This service is generally self pay except for those covered by no fault or worker’s compensation insurance.

University of Michigan Health Systems

Paula Kartje, Drive-Ability Program

355 Briarwood Circle

Ann Arbor, MI 48108

Tel: 734-998-7911

Email:  kartje@med.umich.edu

To identify medically impaired drivers who are unsafe on the road.

Description

DriveABLE is a two-phase assessment program that is offered in 22 centers in Canada and five in the USA.  Patients are referred to the program by licensing agencies, physicians, insurance companies, and concerned friends and family members.  The first phase involves an in-office assessment of mental and motor functions needed for driving, using computer-based tests. Participants identified as potential risks in the first phase are given an on-road driving assessment in the second phase. Scores from each phase are sent electronically to an evaluation center to ensure consistency among all assessment centers. Privately funded.

DriveABLE was developed based on research on the types and severity of driving errors that medically impaired drivers make and how these errors can be identified through road testing. Drivers with cognitive impairments were more likely than other drivers to commit errors in turning (too wide or too narrow) and to drive too close to lane markings or too slowly. There were no differences in speeding errors or failure to come to a complete stop.

Allen R. Dobbs

University of Alberta Dept. Psychology, Edmonton

Alberta, Canada T6G 2E1

Tel: 001 403 438 1507

Email:adobbs@cyber.psych.ualberta.com

DriveABLE

10050 - 112 St., Suite 202

Edmonton, AB Canada T5K 2J1

Tel: 780 433 1494

Fax: 780 433 1531

Email: info@driveable.com

Web: http://www.driveable.com

To help drivers maintain independence while ensuring safety on the road.

Drivers can schedule their own evaluations but are often referred to the program by insurance companies, physicians, and family members.  The program has two components, a pre-driving screening and a behind-the-wheel evaluation.  A licensed occupational therapist delivers the pre-driving screening, assessing the driver’s functional ability, cognitive ability, vision, perception, and reaction time.  After the screening is successfully completed, the behind-the-wheel evaluation takes place in a vehicle equipped with a variety of adaptive controls.  The driver follows a fixed route, which can be altered to simulate the driver’s habits and needs.  If adaptive driving controls are determined to be necessary following the evaluation, training sessions are scheduled to instruct the driver on the proper use of adaptive equipment.  The training program varies in length according to a person’s needs, and training is completed when the driver can complete the behind-the-wheel evaluation successfully.  At the completion of the evaluation and/or training, the therapist may submit recommendations to the Motor Vehicle Administration’s Medical Advisory Board.  The screening, evaluation, and training are all charged by the hour.

Sinai Hospital of Baltimore

2401 W. Belvedere Ave.

Baltimore, MD 21215

Tel: (410) 601-8823

Web: http://www.lifebridgehealth.org/sinaihospital/

To keep older adults and individuals with disabilities as independent as possible for as long as possible.

Clients are self-referred to the program, or are referred from physicians, family members, insurance companies, and other agencies.  Though each program is tailored to the client’s individual needs, training generally includes three elements: a pre-driving assessment in the clinic, limited driving on hospital grounds in a hospital vehicle, and an on-the-road driving session.  The pre-driving assessment evaluates the driver’s medical history, driving history, visual skills, reaction time, physical ability, perception, attention, and memory, and the on-the-road portions further evaluate the driver’s abilities.  If a driver fails the evaluation, the results are reviewed and the client may be advised to stop driving all together.  In this situation, the risks of continuing to drive are discussed, alternate transportation options are provided, and the driver and his or her family are provided with counseling to adjust to this change.  If the therapist feels the driver’s shortcomings could be balanced with training, lessons are given.  If indicated, drivers are taught to use adaptive equipment and learn safe driving strategies.  An instructor may accompany a driver to the state driving exam site so they can be tested in an adapted vehicle for license coding.

Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital

414 Paoli Pike

Malvern, PA 19355

Tel: (610) 251-5400 or (888) REHAB-41

Email: rehabinfo@mlhs.org

To increase self awareness of driving abilities and educate drivers about driving compensation strategies through self-screening.

This self-screening instrument contains 15 questions, along with instructions to compute and interpret a score and suggestions for improving driving performance.  Development of the instrument was based on the results of research conducted for the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety by researchers from the Safety Research and Education Project at Teacher’s College, Columbia University.  Funded by contributions from motor clubs associated with AAA and the Canadian Automobile Association, individual AAA club members, and AAA-affiliated insurance companies.

AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety

607 14^th Street, NW, Suite 201

Washington, DC 20005

Tel: 202-638-5944

Web:  http://www.aaafoundation.org

Email:  btefft@aaafoundation.org

To promote older driver safety and community mobility.

DriveWell is a comprehensive program designed to promote community conversations that can lead to increased driver safety and more transportation choices for adults age 65 and older.  It also encourages older drivers to change when and how they drive and prompts older adults to use alternative forms of transportation.  The DriveWell Experts Bureau is the central component of the program.  The Experts conduct information sessions about older driver wellness, safety, and mobility nationwide and work with community-based professionals who will deliver the driving fitness and safety programs to older adults, their families and other community stakeholders.  DriveWell was developed by the American Society on Aging and funded by NHTSA.

In a pilot test of the DriveWell program, older adults were given questionnaires about how they planned to use the information they had just learned in the educational programs.  A brief telephone survey was conducted 8 weeks after the participants had completed the program.  It was found that DriveWell successfully influenced safe and healthy behaviors that positively affected the driving of older adults.  In addition, participants reported significantly higher rates of participation in follow-on activities, such as getting eye exams, than they had predicted immediately following the programs.

American Society on Aging

833 Market Street, Suite 511

San Francisco, CA 94103

Tel: 415-974-9600

Fax: 415-974-0300

Email: drivewell@asaging.org

Web: http://www.asaging.org/drivewell

To evaluate individuals who may be unsafe to drive on the road and provide treatment based on a person’s needs and abilities.

DriveWise is a comprehensive evaluation of the driving performance of individuals who may have compromised driving skills due to impairments in motor, cognitive, perceptual and/or sensory abilities.  An evaluation includes a clinical social work assessment and neuropsychological evaluation, in-clinic occupational therapy assessment, an on-the-road driving assessment with the occupational therapist and a driving instructor, and a patient/family feedback meeting with the clinical social worker.  Treatment may follow testing, if necessary, and may include training in the use of adaptations for the car or compensatory technique training.  Alternative transportation resources in the community are identified, when needed.  If cessation of driving is recommended as a result of the evaluation, the emotional impact of this loss is explored and support is provided to the individual and family by the clinical social worker.

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

330 Brookline Ave

Boston, MA 02215

Tel: 617-667-4074

Web: http://www.bidmc.harvard.edu/display.asp?node_id=1979

To provide resources for physicians looking after older adults with cognitive loss and who are driving.

This toolkit, an initiative of the Champlain Dementia Network, was developed based on feedback by primary care physicians who deal with dementia and driving. Information is provided on dementia and driving, including a Physician Fact sheet, Frequently Asked Questions, strategies for screening (The Safe Drive Checklist), and a list of questions that can assist in assessing driving concerns. An algorithm is provided about the necessary steps how to address this issue, as well as a list of resources and assessment sites and forms. These include a copy of a Sample Statement that can be given to a patient/caregiver as a reminder describing the physician’s concerns. It also includes what to do if a patient resists recommendations to stop driving, including what strategies to discuss with caregivers.

This toolkit has been formally evaluated and results are published. Physicians reported knowledge and confidence in dealing with dementia and driving.  The toolkit is available as well in French and toolkits can be developed based on this format, for other geographic areas.

Anna Byszewski MD MEd FRCP(C)

Associate Professor of Medicine, University of Ottawa

Division of Geriatrics

The Ottawa Hospital, Civic Campus

1053 Carling Avenue

Ottawa, Ontario

K1Y 4E9

Canada

Tel: (613) 761-4195

Web: http://www.rgapottawa.com/

To assist individuals and their caregivers in coping with the loss of driving privileges.

Support groups allow older adults and their caregivers to discuss issues related to driving cessation and how to cope with this event.  Support groups are currently implemented in the community on an ongoing basis and are funded by The New Horizons for Seniors Program.

A total of 74 individuals with dementia and their caregivers participated in focus groups that were either specialized driving cessation support groups or regular support groups.  It was found that specialized support groups focusing on driving issues are particularly effective for early stage dementia individuals and their caregivers in dealing with issues related to driving cessation.  Compared to the regular support group, individuals with dementia attending the specialized support groups showed significant improvements in depression, decreases in behavioral disturbances, and an increase in quality of life ratings.  Manuals that will allow other organizations to implement the support groups will be made available.

Bonnie M. Dobbs, PhD

Director Of Research

Division of the Care of the Elderly

Department of Family Medicine

205 College Plaza, 8215-112 Street

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2C8

Tel: 780-492-0374

Fax: 780-492-8191

Email: bdobbs@ualberta.ca

To increase older drivers’ self-awareness and general knowledge about driving-related declines in abilities, and make recommendations about driving compensation and remediation strategies that could extend safe driving, as well as further evaluation that might be needed.

Development of the self-screening instrument was based on a comprehensive review of the literature on older drivers, a series of focus groups with older drivers and the adult children of older drivers, and a panel of experts.  The workbook is divided into five topic areas that influence safe driving behaviors—on-the-road, seeing, thinking, getting around, and health.  Readers circle the answer that best describes their situation.   Feedback (information and suggestions on dealing with a specific problem) is provided when appropriate.  The end of the workbook contains a general question and answer section with additional information and resources.  Funded by General Motors Corporation.

In preliminary testing, the workbook was found to correlate with an on-road driving test, as well as several functional tests, most of which are part of the test battery from the Model Driver Screening and Evaluation Program. Although additional testing is desired to determine what changes people actually make and what actions they pursue as a result of using the Driving Decisions Workbook, the early results suggest that it can reinforce what older drivers already know about age-related declines, help them discover changes in themselves they had not been aware of before, and lead to, at the very least, stated intentions to make changes in driving or to seek further evaluation.

David W. Eby, Ph.D.

The University of Michigan

Transportation Research Institute

2901 Baxter Road

Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2150

Tel: 734-763-2466

Email: eby@umich.edu

Web: http://www.umtri.umich.edu

Web: http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/1321/2/94135.0001.001.pdf

To address concerns older motorists face when it comes to driving.

A short brochure developed by the Michigan Department of State, Driving for Life provides information about the department’s role in licensing drivers, suggestions to help older drivers maintain driving skills, and tips about finding alternative transportation.  It encourages self-awareness and personal self assessment of an individual’s fitness to drive, but also explains the process of referring an unsafe driver to the department.  The driving reexamination process is clarified and resources are given regarding available alternate transportation options in Michigan.

Michigan Department of State

Lansing, MI 48198

Tel: (517) 241-6880

Web: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/Older_Driver2_38985_7.pdf

To use self screening to provide information on the physical changes associated with aging, as well as tips on coping so that older drivers can continue driving safely for as long as possible.

The booklet, which can be accessed on-line, discusses changes in abilities related to vision, physical fitness, attention, and reaction time, and provides suggestions on what drivers can do if they are experiencing problems in any of these areas.  Information is also provided on who to contact for help, and options for alternative transportation. Funded by the USAA Educational Foundation, AARP, and NHTSA.

The USAA Educational Foundation

9800 Fredricksburg Road, D3E

San Antonio, TX 78288

Tel: 1-800-531-8159

Web: www.usaaedfoundation.org

To provide an array of transportation options for older adults.

The agency has a network of transportation providers that work independently and together to coordinate services for older adults in the region.  The transportation program comprises urban mass transit, rural mass transit, and transportation offered by local social service agencies.  Services include fixed routes as well as subscriber door-through-door transportation.  Funded by the Federal Transit Administration via the Illinois DOT; Medicaid; Social Service Block Grant Title XX; Older American Act; local, county, municipal, and township funds; and fares and local contributions.

Results from a survey by the Administration on Aging’s Performance Outcomes Measurement Project indicated that 97 percent of riders rated the services as very good or excellent, and 99 percent would recommend transportation services to friends.  The Administration on Aging concluded that this agency’s coordination activities have been particularly successful in progress through working together, planning for community needs, and adapting funding.

East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging

1003 Maple Hill Road
Bloomington, IL 61704-9327

Tel: 800-888-4456

Email: aginginfo@eciaaa.org

Web: www.eciaaa.org

To assist older drivers to continue driving safely as late in life as possible.

Older drivers thought to be suffering from cognitive impairment are assessed using a driving simulator.  Driving history, habits, medical history, and quality of life are also taken into consideration.  Drivers can participate in the program voluntarily, but are generally referred from physicians, the Virginia DMV, or concerned friends and family members.  The simulated driving experience consists of a 10-minute practice drive and a 30-minute drive based on the actual community which takes drivers through rural, suburban, and urban settings.  Drivers encounter a variety of situations that test cognitive skills necessary for safe driving.  Stressful situations that require quick judgment are presented, such as pedestrians standing in the road.  Divided attention skills are also tested as drivers have to deal with a passenger talking or a cell phone call.  Based on errors made during the simulation, they are placed into three categories: safe, unsafe, and restricted.  Restrictions are based specifically on errors made during the simulations.  Based on recommendations by the driving evaluators, the Virginia DMV restricts licenses accordingly.

Forty-five drivers who fell into the 'restricted' category during the simulated driving experience are currently being assessed to evaluate the effectiveness of the error-specific driving restrictions.  Participants return for follow up evaluations every 6 months for 3 years.  DMV records for each driver are also analyzed to determine if the driver had been driving safely in between simulator assessments.  Two years into the study, it appears that drivers extend their driving time by at least 6 months with restrictions tailored to their needs.

Barbara Freund

Eastern Virginia Medical School

825 Fairfax Ave.

Norfolk, VA 23507

Tel: 757-446-7321

Email: freundbm@evms.edu

To provide as many choices as possible for older adults whose desire is to maintain a safe and independent lifestyle in their own homes and communities.

Elder Services provides a multitude of services for older adults and their caregivers in 23 cities and towns in the Merrimack Valley.  Among these services is a medical advocacy program that uses local volunteers to assist elders with medical transportation and advocacy.  Donations are accepted from older adults and are used to reimburse volunteers for mileage.  In addition to its many community programs, Elder Services coordinates in-home services such as housekeeping, and housing services.

Elder Services was awarded the Non-for Profit Business of the Year in 2004 by the Haverhill Chamber of Commerce.  The program was also recognized in the 2004 GAO for Transportation-Disadvantaged Seniors as a local service provider or practice that can enhance transportation-disadvantaged older adults’ mobility.

360 Merrimack St, Building 5

Lawrence, MA 01843

Tel: (978) 683-7747 or (800) 892-0890

Web: http://www.emsv.org

Email: rdistefano@emsv.org

To assist families, caregivers, and other community members to successfully identify and address situations related to an at-risk older driver.

The Erie County Help Network is a collaborative effort of over 30 agencies and organizations with experts in the areas in the areas of health, driving, law enforcement, and aging.  The network works to assist caregivers by addressing challenges families face when dealing with an at-risk older driver.  Information is provided about the physical and mental changes older drivers face, how to identify and report an at-risk driver, and available area services such as driver evaluation programs and alternative transportation options.  A suggested flowchart assists caregivers through the process of addressing driving concerns with an older loved one, and a number of suggestions are given for help when talking with an at-risk driver as well as instructions to temporarily disable a vehicle if necessary.  The Help Network also works to identify and remove barriers to accessing services, and advocates for public policy change.

Dorothy J. A. Levitt, R.N., M.S.

Erie County Department of Senior Services
95 Franklin St. - 13th Floor
Buffalo NY 14202
Phone: (716) 858-8081
Fax: (716) 858-7259
E-mail: levittd@erie.gov

Web: http://www.erie.gov/driving/

To improve the UFOV through training.  The UFOV is defined as the visual area in which information can be acquired within one eye fixation.

Training is provided on the detection of briefly presented targets under varying attentional demands to increase the amount of information that can be processed in a  given amount of time.  Training takes place over a 10-day period or until some criterion level of performance is achieved.  Evaluation of the assessment and training products has been funded primarily by the National Institute on Aging.

Twenty-four subjects in three different age groups (22–33, 40–49, and 60–75 years) participated in training to improve UFOV.  Researchers investigated four factors that influence the field of view.  Follow-up evaluations over a period of 6 months were conducted to assess the longevity of the improved visual performance.  The size of the UFOV varies by age, and typically diminishes with age; however, findings indicated that some of the shrinkage can be reversed with a small amount of practice.  The effects of training were found to persist over time (at least 6 months).

Karlene Ball, Ph.D.

Professor of Psychology

Director, Center for Translational Research on Aging and Mobility

University of Alabama at Birmingham

924 19^th Street South

Holley-Mears Building Room 100

Birmingham, AL  35294-2100

Phone:  (205) 975-2296

Fax:  (205) 975-2295

Web:  http://www.visualawareness.com  (For UFOV Products)

Email:  kball@uab.edu

To offer a wide range of services so that older adults can maintain their independence and improve their quality of life.

A member of Faith in Action Caregivers, a collaboration of volunteer caregiver programs in the greater Austin, TX metropolitan area, volunteer drivers for the West Austin branch are recruited from sponsoring congregations, local universities, and the community at large.  Partnerships are also developed with organizations:  The Junior League of Austin, Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).  Once trained, volunteer drivers use their personal vehicles to provide transportation for essential needs (medical appointments, grocery shopping) and to destinations that enhance quality of life (beauty shop, senior center).  Registered clients call in requests to program office and staff/volunteers match available volunteers to fill requests.  Funded by grants, sponsoring congregations, fundraising, and contributions.

The Beverly Foundation identified the program’s unique feature to be its service agreement with the Junior League to provide volunteers, and has recognized it as an award-winning program.  Faith in Action Caregivers (then known as Partners in Caregiving) won the 2004 STAR Award from the Beverly Foundation.

Jean Barrett Teel

2601 Exposition Boulevard

Austin, TX 78703

Tel: 512-472-6339

Fax: 512-472-7158

Web: http://www.main.org/wacaregivers/

Web:  http://wwww.faithinactioncaregivers.org

Email:  wacaregivers@juno.com

To provide older drivers with tips to improve flexibility as it relates to driving.

A brochure identifies exercises and stretches to improve neck, shoulder, trunk, back, and overall body flexibility.  Written directions are accompanied by graphics demonstrating the stretching exercises.  Funded by AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.  Based on research indicating that higher levels of fitness among older drivers are associated with better driving performance.

AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety

607 14^th Street NW, Suite 201

Washington, DC 20005

Web:  http://www.aaafoundation.org

Email:  btefft@aaafoundation.org

To help older drivers assess and improve their driving skills, and talk about the transition to not driving.

The FSSRC-Orlando offers three services to the community: education and outreach, driver skill assessment, and mobility counseling.  The Resource Center's staff is available to speak to older adult groups and professionals about issues relating to older drivers.  The Center also offers two different levels of driver skills assessment.  Both levels screen and evaluate the older driver for issues that can impact an individual's ability to drive and identifies any areas that require remediation.  Mobility counseling is offered to the client and his/her family members.  Mobility counseling consists of transportation alternative planning and talking about the decision to retire from driving.

Brenda Reff, Driver Safety Program Director, Site Coordinator

Senior Resource Alliance
988 Woodcock Road, Suite 200
Orlando, FL 32803
Tel: 407-228-1819
Fax: 407-228-1835
Email: reffb@elderaffairs.org

Web: http://fssrffc.phhp.ufl.edu/

To develop a roadway designed for older drivers.

Based on FHWA’s Design Handbook for Older Drivers and Pedestrians, short term and long-term roadway improvements were identified and implemented in order to increase visibility, provide advance notification to assist in decision making, and also to improve pedestrian features.  Short-term improvements implemented throughout Florida included reflective pavement markers (most effective), larger lettering on overhead street signs, wider pavement markings that clearly define the travel path, street signs in place prior to the intersection, improved pedestrian crossings, more clearly defined travel paths, and temporary reflective pavement markers in work zones.  Long-term improvements included increased sign visibility, advance notice of signage, supplemental pavement markings, and improved intersection techniques.  In recent years, the program has been revised to include a comprehensive approach that addresses not only the roadways but also the driver and the community.  Funded by Florida DOT.

Florida Department of Transportation

State Traffic Engineering and Operations Office

605 Suwannee Street, M.S. 36

Tallahassee, FL  32399-0450

Tel: (850) 410-5414

Web:  http://www.dot.state.fl.us/trafficoperations/operations/elderrduser.htm

Email: gail.holley@dot.state.fl.us

To provide door-to-door transportation services to older adults and disabled adults in both urban and rural areas.

Gadabout is a nonprofit organization with a Board of Directors responsible for policy guidance and oversight.  Both paid and volunteer drivers provide transportation using buses during weekday, daytime hours.  Typically, rides are scheduled 24 hours in advance and riders are charged a flat rate fee.  Gadabout collaborates with the Social Services Department to provide escorts for riders.  Drivers are screened and trained. Funded by State and Federal funds (grants through the Federal Urban Mass Transit Act), tax revenue, and rider fees.

In a case study performed by the Beverly Foundation, Gadabout was found to be acceptable to riders, accessible due to the specially equipped vehicles, and adaptable because it provides escorted transportation when needed.

Gadabout Transportation Services, Inc.

Judith E. Willis

737 Willow Avenue

Ithaca, NY 14850

Tel: (607) 273-1878

Fax: (607) 277-9551

Email:  willisjudy@netscape.com

To help older adults make the transition from driving by building a transportation support and information network and launching a multi-media public education campaign.

The Getting Around project, piloted in eight Southern California sites, aims to address the special needs of older adults who no longer drive by providing counseling and assistance with alternative transportation options.  Older adults and caregivers dealing with driving cessation issues can call an 800-number, which connects them with their local Getting Around site.  Trained volunteers provide support, counseling, or resource referrals either on the phone or in person.  Older adults in need can also be referred by law enforcement officials, the DMV, and other community organizations.  The program was marketed locally through a number of outlets including senior centers, flyers at health fairs, transportation programs, websites, and newspaper articles.  To educate the public and spark national discussion of driving cessation issues, a documentary video was produced, distributed, and has been played on local PBS stations.  The comprehensive video discusses the issue from the perspective of older drivers, their families and friends, physicians, licensing officials, and the public.  A website has also been developed to provide resources to all interested in the transition from driving.  Funding provided by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

A survey mailed to every client that received service from December 2005 to December 2006 yielded very positive reviews of the program.  Clients indicated that their needs were met, they were satisfied with the abilities of the volunteers, and they felt they received information that would help them with alternative transportation options in their area.  Respondents also stated that volunteer availability was a problem, as volunteers were not present at agencies every day.  Overall, the needs of clients appeared to have been met by the program.

AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety

607 14th Street NW, Suite 201
Washington, DC 20005

Tel: (202) 638-5944

Web: http://www.getting-around.org/

To assess older drivers to identify declines in driving related abilities and other driving problems.

Getting in Gear is an older adult driving assessment program serving clients referred through the court system.  Clients generally appear in court for an infraction, ticket, or crash and the Judge requires them to complete the Getting in Gear assessment and follow all recommendations.  Its battery of screening tests include: simple tasks to assess physical and cognitive abilities (foot-tapping, head and neck rotation, arm raising, and memory recall); a computer test with a joystick to assess attention, perception, memory, vision, and reaction time; a useful field of view (UFOV) test which uses a computer to assess peripheral vision and the processing speed of visual information, and a 30- minute road test to assess merging, lane changing, safe driving distances, and ability to follow directions and execute turns. Participants are offered case management services including counseling, rehabilitation services, referrals, medical care, occupational therapy, and information on adaptive equipment use, as well as mobility management services, which help drivers assess whether to reduce or stop driving.  After the assessment, the Judge, the older adult, a family member, and the older adult’s primary care physician all receive a copy of the assessment and recommendations.

Susan Samson, Project Director

Getting in Gear

Area Agency on Aging

9887 4^th Street North, Suite 100

St. Petersburg, FL 33702

Tel: 727-570-9696 ext. 234

Email:  samsons@elderaffairs.org

To provide transportation to older adults and persons with disabilities so that they can remain independent and continue participating in the community.

The nonprofit program has six staffed divisions with paid employees and volunteers.  Telecare has established service relationships with various older adult residential and medical facilities.  They provide door-to-door service 7 days a week, but riders must make a reservation 24 hours in advance.  The Area IV Agency on Aging assists low-income older adults with vouchers.  Volunteer drivers receive mileage reimbursements.  Initial funding provided by a sponsoring church and private donations, and current funding provided by county funds, special events, grants (California DOT, Area IV Agency on Aging, and the United Way), and fund raising.

The Nevada County Transportation Commission is currently conducting a performance audit.  Results will be available later in 2007.

Gold Country Telecare, Inc.

Susan Healy – Harman

P.O. Box 2161

Grass Valley, CA  95945

Tel:  (530) 272-1710

Web:  http://www.goldcountrytelecare.org

Email:  shealy-telecare@sbcglobal.net

To help prepare drivers to maintain safe mobility in their later years.

GrandDriver is an education and awareness campaign of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) to educate the public about the effects of aging on driving ability and to encourage drivers to make wise choices as they grow older.  The GrandDriver website provides links to educational resources and services to help older adults and their families deal with driving issues. The website includes information about finding driver refresher courses, driver rehabilitation specialists, alternative means of transportation and resources for family members who are concerned about an older driver.

AAMVA

4301 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 400
Arlington, VA 22203

Tel: 703-522-4200

Web: www.granddriver.info/

Email: granddriver@aamva.org

To provide highway design professionals with guidelines to use that accommodate the needs of older drivers.

The revised guidelines are based on research, technical developments, and feedback from state, county, and municipal engineers who reviewed and implemented recommendations from the previous handbook.  A technology transfer component was included to make practitioners aware of the guidelines and assist them in applying recommendations.  Both printed and electronic materials accompany the guidelines and help to facilitate practitioner workshops.  All guidelines focus on changes with modest financial implications and the potential for future cost savings.  FHWA also offers 1-day training workshop, designed primarily for highway and traffic engineers, to review the contents of the handbook.  Funded by FHWA.

Office of Safety R&D

FHWA

6300 Georgetown Pike

McLean, VA 22101-2296

Email: thomas.granda@dot.gov

Web:  http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/older_driver/index.htm

To provide health care professionals with information on how to assess driving risk, decide if further assessment or rehabilitation is needed, and offer advice on how to approach patients with this sensitive information.

Recommendations are provided on information a physician should gather regarding a patient’s driving history; physical, visual, and mental health; and driving abilities.  Information about conditions that commonly affect driving is given, as well as the legal implications on reporting an at-risk older driver.

The Cleveland Clinic, Main Campus

W.O. Walker Building

9500 Euclid Ave.

Cleveland, OH 44195

Tel:  (216) 445-7350

Fax:  (216) 444-9971

Web:  http://www.cleavelandclinic.org

http://www.geri.com/geriatrics/data/articlestandard/geriatrics/502003/78791/article.pdf

Provide older drivers and their friends and family with information about the impact of aging and medications on driving skills, and to offer suggestions and resources for further information.

The 30-page booklet provides readers with details of how age and medications affect a person’s driving skills, how to assess an older driver’s skills both through self screening and by observing various factors, how to help an older driver by ensuring he or she exercises and sees a physician regularly, and what features to look for in choosing a car.  It also provides a list of driver refresher courses and offers suggestions for how to help older drivers cope and plan for driving cessation, and how to overcome the fear of losing independence.  Finally, it provides contact information for every state department of motor vehicles and lists of useful websites for aging drivers.  Funded by AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety

607 14^th Street NW, Suite 201

Washington, DC 20005

Web:  http://www.aaafoundation.org

Email:  btefft@aaafoundation.org

Provide design guidelines for advanced traveler information systems (ATIS).

The handbook summaries human engineering data, guidelines, and principles for use by creative designers, engineer and human factors practioners during the ATIS design process.  These summaries take the form of design guidelines for 75 distinct ATIS design parameters, and are intended to be concise, unambiguous, traceable to specific references, and highlight implications for driver performance.  Where appropriate, design guidelines specifically aimed at older drivers are included.  Funded by Federal Highway Administration and U.S. DOT.

Office of Safety Research and Development

Federal Highway Administration

6300 Georgetown Pike

McLean, VA  22101

Web:  http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/

Email:  joe.moyer@fhwa.dot.gov

To provide on-demand, door-through-door transportation.

ITNAmerica® is the national, non-profit organization that supports the replication of the economically sustainable Independent Transportation Network® model for older adult transportation.  Developed to replicate the comfort and convenience of private automobile ownership, ITN rides can be scheduled 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, either in advance (earning a discount) or on-demand, and paid for through pre-paid accounts.  Riders must become members of ITN® and live within the ITN® service area.  A small annual membership fee provides access to a bi-monthly newsletter and a gift certificate on the member’s birthday.  The program uses volunteer drivers who use their own vehicles to transport riders (and receive mileage reimbursement) as well as paid drivers, who use one of the program’s vehicles.  ITNAmerica™ has developed GIS software, ITNRides™ that also includes payment and billing functions, as well as member, volunteer and community outreach management.  ITNAmerica is funded by grants, fees from affiliates, and corporate support; ITNPortland is funded entirely through fares from riders, membership fees, donations, and local business participation.

In a case study by the Beverly Foundation, ITN services were found to be available, affordable, acceptable, accessible, and adaptable.  ITN’s founder has been charged with developing a model suitable for replication elsewhere.

ITNPortland

Rus Willette

90 Bridge Street

Westbrook, ME 04092

Tel: (207) 854-0505

Fax: (207) 854-1026

ITNAmerica

Katherine Freund

90 Bridge Street

Westbrook, ME  04092

Tel:  (207) 857-9001

Fax:  (207) 857-9199

Web:  http://www.itnamerica.org/

Email:  Kathy.freund@ITNAmerica.org

To advance independence and promote inclusive opportunities for persons with disabilities through technology.

The website provides information about assistive technology to individuals with disabilities.  Assistive technology includes any type of device that accomplishes a task for someone who cannot achieve it naturally.  Among the resources is information about adaptive driving.  The importance of getting a professional driving assessment is stressed, tips for choosing a vehicle are given, and information is provided about available vehicle modifications.  Modifications include automatic transmissions, power steering, stability management systems, siren detectors, bioptics for improved vision, steering devices, raised roof or dropped floors, pedal extenders, seats, and seat belts.  Funding assistance options for vehicle modifications is also mentioned.  Infinitec, Inc., is a joint effort of the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Greater Chicago and the United Cerebral Palsy Associations, Inc., Washington D.C.

Infinitec Southwest Assistive Technology Center

7550 West 183rd Street
Tinley Park, Illinois 60477
Tel: (708) 444-8460

Web:  http://www.infinitec.org/live/driving/drivingintro.htm

To provide demand response transportation service throughout the county.

This program, the only alternative transportation option for residents in this area, includes paid staff members and volunteers. Each community in which it operates has its own drivers and an individual who schedules rides. Rides can be scheduled for the same day on weekdays and by appointment on weekends. There is a flat fare for recreational trips, and donations are accepted for professional, medical, and shopping trips.  Drivers typically stay with passengers until they are ready to return home, and often assist the riders. Funded by Kansas DOT, rider fees/donations, United Way, property taxes, and Area Agency on Aging.

The Beverly Foundation found that the drivers set this program apart from many others because they provide hands-on assistance to riders, and has recognized it as an award-winning program.

Lynn Luck, Jefferson County Service Organization

610 Delaware Street

Oskaloosa, Kansas 66066

Tel: 785-863-2637

Fax: 785-863-3460

To promote safe mobility among older adults by increasing awareness of vehicle modifications.

This 22-minute video demonstrates 13 vehicle modifications that may alleviate challenges with driving commonly experienced by aging motorists.  Examples of modifications include: a visor extender, seat belt adjuster, pedal extenders, and a ceiling handle grip.  The selected features are fairly simple to understand and use, and they are priced such that most drivers can afford them.

A study was done to determine whether viewing the video would increase awareness of and motivation to use the features demonstrated in the video.  A convenience sample of 157 drivers age 70 and older completed pre- and post-tests to assess their awareness of the features shown in the video, and to collect information about their driving histories, concerns with driving, and self-imposed driving restrictions.  Results indicated that viewing the video and being part of a discussion session afterwards served the intended purpose of increasing older adults’ awareness of vehicle modifications that could enhance safety and comfort.  Eleven percent of participants interviewed in a follow-up telephone survey had purchased features since viewing the video.

University of Massachusetts Boston

Gerontology Institute

100 Morrissey Blvd.

Boston, MA 02125

Tel: 617-287-7300

Fax: 617-287-7080

Email: gerontology@umb.edu

Web: www.geront.umb.edu

To assist individuals in accessing transportation information and services provided by transit agencies or community programs.

A cooperative effort of the Kent County Task Force on Health Care for People of Color and the Kent County Emergency Needs Task Force Transportation Subcommittee, the directory was created to inform residents of available transportation agencies.  It provides organizational names, address, phone numbers, fax numbers, email, and website addresses and is arranged both alphabetically and by category for ease of use.

Kent County Health Department

700 Fuller N.E.

Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503

(616) 336-3030

Web:  http://www.accesskent.com/Health/HealthDepartment/Publications/pdfs/Trans_Res_Dir.pdf

To provide a one-stop resource senior center with on-site and outreach services.

The program provides door-to-door services 7 days a week.  The program provides transportation to medical appointments, personal outings, shopping, and for personal activities.  The fleet includes a minivan with companion seat access, a bus with a lift, and a van for ambulatory services.  Reservations can be made the same day and there are no fees charged for riding.  Funded through grants and the tribe.

This program received the 2003 STAR Award from the Beverly Foundation.

Tanya Meyer, Director

Lac du Flambeau Senior and Disabilities Services

P.O. Box 67

Lac du Flambeau, WI 54538

Tel: 715-588-9621

Fax: 715-588-3677

To provide demand-response, door-to-door transportation for older adults.

Lauderhill, in association with the Social Services Department, operates a fleet of vehicles able to provide transportation to large groups or individuals. Most trips are scheduled on weekdays, with some weekend and evening hours. The program includes both full- and part-time employees and volunteers.  Riders are encouraged to purchase Trip Passes, good for 10 one-way rides. Vehicles funded by Urban Mass Para Transit Authority and additional funding provided by city funds.

The Beverly Foundation found the program to be available, affordable, acceptable, accessible, and adaptable to older adults and has recognized it as an award-winning program.

P.A.L.S. OFFICE

1900 NW 55 Avenue

Lauderhill, FL 33313

Tel: 954-572-2933

To promote bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation and work through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America.

Since 1880, the League of American Bicyclists has advocated to make communities more bicycle-friendly.  The League has nearly 330,000 members and organizes a national Bike Month and Bike Summit each year.  The Bicycle Friendly Community Program offers awards to communities that it considers most open to bicyclers, and encourages community members to evaluate their own surroundings and actively work to make their local environment more conducive to bicycling.  Communities are judged on five categories known as the Five Es: Engineering, Education, Encouragement, Enforcement, and Evaluation and Planning.  A community must demonstrate achievements in all categories to be considered for an award.  Information on how to promote bicycle use in the community, as well as the benefits of investing in bike lanes, trails, and routes, are available for everyone on their website.  The League also promotes safe bicycling and has recently launched a Share the Road campaign which advocates for bicyclists rights on the road.

League of American Bicyclists

1612 K Street NW Suite 800

Washington, DC 20006

Tel: (202) 822-1333

Email: bikeleague@bikeleague.org

Web: http://www.bikeleague.org

To empower groups of older volunteers to better understand their communities and work to improve them.

The guide offers a series of community self-assessment surveys that are intended to help groups identify issues of concern in their communities, and it provides contacts to whom volunteers can express those concerns.  General information about the reasons why a group may want to conduct a community survey is provided, and advice is given on how to carry out a survey.  The guide is divided into sections according to issue areas identified by older persons as important, including transportation, walkability, safety and security, shopping, housing, health services, recreation and cultural activities, and a caring community.  Each section offers a description of livability as it relates to that issue area, a survey to guide a new look at a community, and a set of follow-up steps to address those issues.

As a part of the updating process of the 2000 guide, and to gain awareness of current perceptions of livability and community issues, focus groups were held with older residents and caregivers in 13 cities in five areas of the country, in rural, urban, and suburban areas.  Participants were diverse in income, race, and ethnicity.  An interactive website was also developed.  Participants were asked how they defined their community and to make a list of elements they felt characterized an older adult-friendly community.  The issues raised in these focus groups became the basis of this guide, as the elements of livability.

AARP Public Policy Institute

601 E Street NW

Washington, DC 20049

Phone: (202) 434-3840

Email: ppi@aarp.org
Web:  http://assets.aarp.org/rgcenter/il/d18311_communities.pdf

To offer a comprehensive array of innovative services and therapeutic programs specific to the needs of individuals with memory problems and their families.

The Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center at Florida Atlantic University is a Florida Senior Safety Resource Center.  It offers comprehensive driving evaluations, mobility counseling, and community education regarding older adult driving issues.  The driving evaluations consist of both in-office and on-road assessments.  The in-office evaluation includes tests of vision, cognition, and physical skills.  Mobility counseling includes a review of the assessment results, recommendations regarding the advisability of driving cessation, and referrals to driving alternatives when needed.

Memory and Wellness Center, Florida Atlantic University

777 Glades Road, Bldg. AZ-79

Tel: 561-297-0502

Fax: 561-297-0505

Email: memorylane@fau.edu

Web: www.fau.edu/memorywellnesscenter/index.html

To provide transportation services to older adults and people with disabilities in a large bi-state rural area.

This system provides demand-response, curb-to-curb service for older adults and people with disabilities.  The system provides transportation for the majority of the social service agencies in the region, and acts as the central dispatcher for all public transportation in the area.  The dial-a-ride service is available from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with the exception of holidays.  Trip reservations should be made 3 days ahead, but last minute rides are scheduled if there are drivers available.  Funded by the Older Americans Act, Oregon Special Transportation Formula funds from cigarette taxes, Oregon DOT Special Transportation Fund Discretionary Grants, Oregon Department of Human Services, Oregon Medical Assistance Program, Idaho Medicaid Program, and fares.  Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and Idaho Medicaid fund transportation they provide in Idaho.

A case study conducted by the Administration on Aging showed this system to be successful in progress through working together, putting customers first, and moving people efficiently.

Sherri Massongill, Executive Director

Malheur Council on Aging and Community Services

842 SE First Ave.

P.O. Box 937

Ontario, OR 97914-0937

Tel: 541-889-7651

Fax: 541-889-4940

Email: mcoa@srvinet.com

To educate drivers on the effects of medication, fatigue, alcohol, and visual/auditory impairments on driving performance, and provide strategies for defensive driving.

The course includes roughly 7 hours of classroom time scheduled in one or two sessions. There is a small fee for the course and for a department of motor vehicles (DMV) certificate to demonstrate completion of the program. Students may qualify for an insurance discount upon completion of the program.  Funded by DMV Research and Development Section, California Department of Motor Vehicles.

Researchers compared 3-year prior and 6-month post driving records of a group of drivers who participated in the course with a demographically similar group of drivers who did not. In a 1995 study, researchers found that crash and violation rate of participants who took the classroom course, participants who took a home-study version of the course, and a control group, were not statistically different. However, for drivers with recent prior violations, both the home-study and classroom sessions seemed to be effective in reducing further violations.

Department of Motor Vehicles

Traffic Violator School Unit

Attn: Mature Driver Program

P.O. Box 825383 Mail Station N-229

Sacramento, CA 94232-5383

Tel: (916) 229-3127.

Web: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vehindustry/ol/mature_drvr.htm

To help older drivers evaluate and improve their driving skills, and continue to drive for as long as they can safely do so.

Topics discussed in the program include the effects of aging and medication on driving, physical limitations, risk management, defensive driving skills, current traffic laws, and crash prevention.  Psychosocial evaluations are conducted to measure brake reaction time, depth perception, visual acuity, night glare recovery, and the cognitive field of view.  Results are confidential and no records are kept, although instructors provide feedback on potential problems in driving behavior and offer suggestions for enhancing current driving skills.  The program consists of two 4-hour classroom sessions held on consecutive days that include lunch.  On the third day, students are present for about 45 minutes for an on-the-road evaluation with an instructor in the student’s own vehicle, and the Useful Field of View cognitive evaluation.  Instructors are generally peers trained by AAA.  Beginning in 2007, the program will incorporate AAA’s CarFit program into the workshop.  Funding is provided through grants, corporate support, and the Traffic Improvement Association.

Comments from participants indicate that many of them have found the program useful, that the information provided influenced their driving, and that they would recommend the program to others.  Students and teachers alike responded favorably to the 2005 revision of teaching materials, which allowed for much more personal interaction with the students.

Traffic Improvement Association

2187 Orchard Lake Road, Suite 140

Sylvan Lake, MI  48320-1778

Tel: 248-334-4971

Fax: 248-334-2060

Web:  http://www.tiami.org/maturedriver.asp

Email:  joanr@tiami.org

To improve the quality of life for people with specialized transportation needs.

MMS provides direct transportation services, brokered trips, and vehicle maintenance services.  Medical Motor Service also transports older adult citizens to medical adult day care programs and social day care programs throughout the community.  The transportation is provided for both ambulatory persons and those who use wheelchairs and the fees are based upon income.  MMS provides an average of 435,000 trips a year to over 8,500 area residents who are disabled and/or unable to use traditional transit services.  Drivers must meet DOT commercial driver’s license requirements and attend quarterly safety meetings, and newsletters are published biannually to alert the community of changes or new services.  Costs vary according to the purpose of the trip and may be covered by Medicaid or insurance.

A case study conducted by the Administration on Aging found MMS to be successful in adapting funding, progress through working together, putting customers first, and moving people efficiently.

William McDonald, Director

Medical Motor Service

1 Mustard Street, Suite 200

Rochester, NY 14609

Tel: 585-654-7030

Fax: 585-654-5798

Email: w_mcdonald@medicalmotors.org

Web: www.medicalmotors.org

To screen for functional deficits of older drivers in a licensing agency setting, and develop a program that will keep people driving safely for as long as possible.

The program involved a battery of functional tests that can be administered relatively quickly and inexpensively within licensing agencies to determine older drivers’ functional status relative to vision, cognition, and physical movement. Intended as a comprehensive approach to enhancing elderly mobility, the program also includes components that focus on how older drivers can initially be identified for functional testing (e.g., internal pre-screening in licensing agencies, external referrals), as well as on education and outreach efforts, referrals for remediation, and counseling to help older people maintain their mobility if they can no longer drive. Pilot testing funded by NHTSA.

In pilot testing, trained staff administered and scored the test battery and obtained information on the driving habits of over 2,500 older drivers. Researchers used crash records one year prior to the screening, and two years following, to evaluate the relationship between the screening and involvement in any type of crash, at-fault plus unknown-fault crashes, and at-fault crashes only. Results suggested that fast and efficient functional capacity screening can lead to valid predictions about the risk of driving impairment, and a number of functional ability tests were deemed useful for possible future use in the licensing process.  In a follow up study currently underway, participants in the original pilot study were re-evaluated 5 years later on a modified version of the screening battery and are being monitored via telephone survey for the following 3 years.  Previously determined risk factors will be examined longitudinally to determine how risk factors change over time.

Office of Research and Traffic Records

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

400 Seventh Street, S.W., Room 6240

Washington, DC 20590

Web: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/olddrive/modeldriver/

To increase transportation options for older adults and enhance their ability to live more independently within their communities throughout the United States.

The center aims to be the nation's primary resource for state and local communities seeking an array of technical assistance, information products about best practices, and training opportunities that address the transportation needs of older adults.  It also aims to increase cooperation between the aging community and transportation industry to increase the availability of more comprehensive, accessible, safe and coordinated transportation services.  The center is administered by Easter Seals Inc., in partnership with the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging in cooperation with the Federal Transit Administration.

Michi McNeace, Director

1425 K St. NW, Suite 200

Washington, DC 20005

Tel: 202-347-3066

Fax: 202-737-7914

Toll-free: 866-528-NCST (6278)

Email: mmcneace@easterseals.com

To increase independence for people with disabilities by unifying and improving the mobility equipment industry.

The association establishes national guidelines, provides resources, ensures overall quality through a quality assurance program, and offers training opportunities.

Guidelines on recommended practices for equipment modification and installation are updated on a yearly basis.  Members are required to follow these guidelines as well as NHTSA’s safety standards.  Funded by membership dues.

NMEDA Headquarters

3327 W. Bearss Ave.

Tampa, Florida 33618

Tel: (800) 833-0427 or 813-264-2697

Fax: (813) 962-8970

Email:  nmeda@aol.com

To educate drivers about ways to adapt to technological changes in vehicles as well as about physical changes commonly associated with aging.

This 2-day, 6-8 hour interactive course provides a review of basic driving techniques, and introduces skills that can help offset the effects of the aging process on driving performance.  Instructors are certified by the National Safety Council.  Funded by the National Safety Council.

National Safety Council

1121 Spring Lake Drive

Itasca, IL  60143-3201

Tel: (630) 285-1121

Fax:  (630) 285-1315

Web:  http://www.nsc.org

Email : info@nsc.org

To provide transportation to older adults in Howard County, Maryland.

This service is intended to supplement public and private transportation services in Howard County.  Passengers are transported curb-to-curb by trained volunteer drivers in their personal vehicles.  For a modest fee, passengers may utilize the rides for their personal needs, health care appointments, social visits, business engagements, personal care appointments, attendance at community events, religious services and other day-to-day activities.  Trips can be scheduled online or by phone and should be made at least 3 days in advance.

Neighbor Ride, Inc.

8808 Centre Park Drive, #108
Columbia, MD 21045

Tel: 410-884-RIDE

Email: information@neigborride.org

Web: www.neighborride.org

To enhance the positive quality of individual, family, and community life by providing services that are consistently available, accessible, and responsive to the needs of the individuals, families, and groups seeking assistance.

With offices in both Vista and Oceanside, California, North County Lifeline provides a number of services to the community of North San Diego County.  One program targets a travel-training program to the older adult population to encourage older adults to use public transit by teaching (one-on-one or through groups) and showing older adults how to use the system.  Services are available in English, Spanish, or American Sign Language.  North County Lifeline, Inc. also helped to develop the STRIDE (Specialized Transportation Referral and Information for the Disabled and Elderly) website database of transportation information in San Diego County.  The site is a distribution center for other public transportation providers and a referral service for older adults to learn about transit services in the area.

This program was recognized in the 2004 GAO report Transportation-Disadvantaged Seniors (GAO-04-971) as a local service provider or practice that can enhance transportation-disadvantaged older adult’s mobility.

North County Lifeline, Inc.

200 Michigan Avenue

Vista, CA 92084

Tel: (760) 726-4900

Web: http://www.nclifeline.org

Web: http://www.stridesd.org

To provide non-emergency medical transportation across a multi-county area.

Centered in Traverse City, NMTA is a collaboration of over 20 human service agencies, non-profits, and local businesses in three counties in Michigan.  The organizations involved created the alliance when they recognized they were filling the same transportation needs.  By combining their volunteers and their resources, NMTA is able to provide services to a much larger population.  The alliance offers rides to non-emergency medical appointments to clients who make reservations at least one week in advance.  Volunteers pick up clients at their homes, drive them to medical appointments, take them to the pharmacy to fill prescriptions if necessary, and return them home.  NMTA also offers a ride share program, and is beginning to focus on improving transportation options to employment.

Bay Area Transportation Authority

3233 Cass Road
Traverse City, Michigan 49684
Tel: (231) 941-2324

http://www.bata.net/ridebata_health.htm

Email: geers@bata.net

To help older drivers maintain independence.

The program uses physical, visual, and cognitive assessments along with a driving simulator and an on-the-road driving assessment. After the evaluation, recommendations may be made, such as adaptive equipment, modification of medication, or physical or occupational therapy.  County courts have adopted the program as an alternative to license removal. Judges can choose to send a driver to this program for evaluations and testing prior to recommencing driving. The program has also been extended to Toledo Hospital and Flower Outpatient Rehabilitation Services through a license agreement with the Ohio State University (OSU) Medical Center. Funded by OSU Medical Center, the Office of Geriatrics and Gerontology, and the Department of Internal Medicine.

The OSU College of Medicine and Public Health

370 West 9th Avenue

Columbus, Ohio 43210

Tel: 614-293-3377

Web: http://medicine.osu.edu/geriatrics/91.cfm

To educate law enforcement officers on the special needs of older drivers in their communities.

Developed by NHTSA and law enforcement experts across the country, this 3.5 hour course is designed to be taught by law enforcement to law enforcement.  Issues discussed include: reasons to care about aging drivers; understanding aging factors and how they can affect driving; how to communicate with older drivers; conducting the traffic stop, making referrals- especially to licensing agencies- and community outreach program to improve relations with older adults.  The course includes a video, handouts, a simulated traffic stop, and group exercises.

NHTSA

US Department of Transportation

400 7^th St, SW

Washington, DC 20590

Web:  http://www.nhtsa.gov

To develop and pilot test highway safety improvements that will benefit the mobility and safety of older drivers.

Roadway improvements to pavement markings, street name signs, and traffic signals were implemented through eight projects in Arizona, Nevada, and Florida. Funded by FHWA, Federal Aid Hazard Elimination, and state funds.

A survey of drivers’ reactions to the improvements, as well as pre-post comparisons of crashes, was used to assess the effectiveness of the improvements. The time period following the changes was generally too brief and the sample sizes too small to reach definitive conclusions, although reductions in crashes were found for all drivers, not just older drivers. Survey respondents for one of the projects reported that raised pavement markers, overhead street sign names, and wider pavement markings provided the most assistance to drivers.

FHWA

400 7th Street, SW

Washington, D.C. 20590

To provide law enforcement officers with information to help them determine whether or not an older driver is capable of safely operating a motor vehicle.

The pamphlet contains information on how police officers can use visual and verbal cues to determine motorists’ fitness to drive, and includes specific questions that can be asked of older drivers. Also included are suggestions about how to offer assistance to older drivers when intervention is necessary. Funded by NHTSA.

The suggestions provided in the pamphlet were field tested by Florida State Troopers in Pinellas County.

U.S. Department of Transportation

400 7th Street, S.W.

Washington D.C. 20590

Tel: 202-366-4000 or 1-888-327-4236

Web: www.nhtsa.gov

To plan, develop and coordinate programs and services for county residents age 60 and older.

Transportation services are provided to older adult residents by a number of agencies throughout the county.  The department provides curb-to-curb, door-to-door, demand-response, fixed-route, and escort services to senior centers for nutrition and socialization, medical appointments, and grocery stores.  Days and hours of service are dependent upon the agency providing service.

Onondaga County Department for Aging and Youth

John H. Mulroy Civic Center 13th Floor,
421 Montgomery Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
Tel: 315-435-2362
Fax: 315-435-3129

Web: http://www.ongov.net/Aging_and_Youth/home.html

To preserve the independence, dignity, and self-esteem that result from providing one’s own mobility, so long as it is possible to do so without risk to oneself or to others.

The program focuses on individuals reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in Oregon as exhibiting unsafe or dangerous driving behaviors and/or medical conditions or impairments that may affect safe driving.  An “at-risk” individual may be required to re-establish driving eligibility by passing DMV tests (vision, knowledge, driving), submitting additional medical information and/or obtaining medical clearance.   The program is not based on a report of age or medical diagnosis, but rather on a report of impairments that impact a person’s ability to drive safely.

An investigation is underway of the mandatory reports submitted to the program from health care professionals on individuals designated as having impaired ability to drive.  Researchers are seeking to determine who is submitting the reports, what driver characteristics are reported most often, what medical conditions and specific impairments are being reported, and what DMV actions are taken.  A full evaluation of the program has been proposed and funding is being sought.  Researchers hope to determine if the program is effective in removing high-risk drivers from the road and if it has successfully reduced crashes, saved lives, and created safer roads for the public.

DMV

Driver Programs

1905 Lana Avenue NE

Salem, OR  97314

Tel:  503-945-5223

Email:  William.B.Merrill@odot.state.or.us

To help older adults maintain mobility as late in life as possible.

Developed by the Howard County Commission on Aging and the Office on Aging, the guide is designed to provide older adults and their caregivers with information on available transportation-related resources in their community.  The guide includes a self-screening questionnaire for older drivers to help identify areas that may be of concern or need improvement.  A number of driver assessment and education programs are described, and a partial list of qualified driver rehabilitation specialists in the area is provided in an appendix.  Advice on buying the correct vehicle and information about driver aids and adaptive equipment is given, and issues related to medication use and driving are pointed out.  Tips for dealing with an aging driver are directed toward caregivers, as well as warning signs of drivers with dementia.  Finally, the guide discusses transitioning from driving and encourages readers to plan ahead for the day they can no longer drive.  Descriptions and Contact information for alternate transportation options in and around Howard County, including public transit, walking, and specialized transportation services, are also included.

Howard County Commission on Aging

6751 Columbia Gateway Drive
Columbia, MD 21046
Tel: (410) 313-6410

Web: http://www.co.ho.md.us/OA/coa.htm

To assist in tasks that help older adults remain independent in their own homes.

Partners In Care uses a service-exchange concept as the foundation for its network of support for older adults. The objective is to build community by engaging people to help each other with tasks involved in everyday living.  The transportation portion of the program provides door-through-door, arm-in-arm, on-demand services.  Transportation is provided by individual volunteer members of Partners In Care using their own vehicles.  There are two full-time staff for transportation services and nearly 400 members who provide trips for others.  Riders are asked to schedule trips 3 to 5 days in advance; volunteer matchmakers assign drivers to the riders, looking for matches that will generate good social interaction.  Rides are provided in a personalized arm-to-arm manner. The driver picks up an individual at their front door, helps them into the car, drives to the facility, helps navigate through the labyrinth of a medical center if necessary, waits with them, then takes them safely back home again.  Often the volunteer driver will stop for groceries, to pick up prescriptions, or to enjoy a social lunch.  Funded by in-house fundraising, Anne Arundel Department of Aging, foundation grants, and private donations.

A case study by the Administration on Aging found that Partners In Care’s coordination activities were successful in putting customers first and planning for community needs.

Partners In Care

348 Ritchie Highway

Severna Park, MD 21146

Tel: 800-227-5500

Email: partners@partnersincare.org

Web: www.partnersincare.org

To design and implement a transportation service model that would provide rides to older adults and complement existing transportation services and to create an adaptable process model that could be implemented in communities throughout the country.

The PasRide model is a “senior friendly,” consumer-driven, “volunteer friends” approach to transportation.  PasRide provides a low cost, low maintenance approach to providing senior friendly transportation.  It was designed to augment, not replace existing transportation services and provides a model of an STP that other communities across the country can easily adapt.  The key elements of PasRide are a sponsor, partners, riders, volunteer drivers, documentation, and reimbursement.

An 18-month pilot project was conducted in Pasadena, California.  During the pilot, a total of 32 riders were registered, 25 of which were regular participants.  All, except two, were female and ranged in age from the mid-60’s to 96.  Collectively, they had 26 volunteer drivers that ranged in age from 32 to 83.  A total of 2,238 rides were provided, representing 9,280 miles of travel.  Rides were most frequently provided to doctors’ offices (18.9 percent of trips) or church (17.4 percent).  The average distance per trip was 4.6 miles and the average cost per trip, including reimbursement, insurance and staffing, was $6.40.

The Beverly Foundation

566 El Dorado St., Suite 100

Pasadena, CA 91101

Tel: 626-792-2292

Fax: 626-792-6117

Web: www.beverlyfoundation.org

To address transportation needs in Phoenix, Arizona.

The Phoenix Valley Metro offers an array of transportation options, including fixed route bus systems for the greater Phoenix area, special commuter buses transport users to and from downtown on weekdays, vanpool services, and an online carpool matching system.  The Valley Metro Central Station was recently built to be a one-stop shop for all public transportation needs.  Here, customers can purchase tickets, find information on paratransit services and reduced fares, have picture IDs taken, and get the Valley Metro bus route and schedule information.  Central Station also has public restrooms, play areas for children, trees, and evaporation-cooled waiting areas.  To address the specific needs of older adults, the Peer Transportation program works with older adults to help them become more comfortable with available public transportation options.  In addition, the Phoenix Dial-a-Ride also provides shared ride transportation to older adults age 65 and older and persons with disabilities.  Reservations must be made in advance, and fares vary depending on the trip.

Valley Metro/RPTA

302 N. 1st Avenue, Suite 700
Phoenix, AZ 85003
(602) 262-7433

Web:  http://www.valleymetro.org/

Email: csr@valleymetro.org

To assist physicians in evaluating their older patients’ ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

The guide assists physicians’ in planning for older driver safety and provides information on how to informally and formally assess an older driver.  Formal assessment includes an array of cognitive and physiological screens, including Clock Drawing, the Assessment of Driving Related Skills (ADReS) Score Sheet and the Trail-Making Test, Part B.  Based on the results of the assessments, information is provided on how to interpret the scores, and guidance on how a physician can intervene and help manage and treat the patient.  It also outlines information a physician should know prior to referring patients to a driving rehabilitation specialist, how to counsel a patient, legal and ethical responsibilities of the physician, state licensing policies and reporting laws, and medical conditions that may affect driving.  Funded by US DOT.

Joanne Schwartzberg

Older Drivers Project

American Medical Association

515 N. State Street

Chicago, IL  60610

Tel: 312-464-4179

Web:  http://www.ama-assn.org

Email:  joanne_schwartzberg@ama-assn.org

To support and promote public and specialized transportation in its service area.

Paid and volunteer drivers provide transportation for older adults and the general public Monday through Saturday.  Door-to-door and door-through-door services are provided to passengers with physical limitations and dementia.  Rides should be scheduled 24 hours in advance, and medical appointments, nutrition access, shopping, banking and other essential personal errands can be accommodated.  Primarily funded from state DOT funds, aging services money, Title 19 non-emergency medical transportation through Medicaid, funds from the city and county fare box revenues, and from donations and fundraising activities.

A case study by the Beverly Foundation and CTAA identified this program as being innovative in the way it provides transportation that serves older adults.  The case study was developed from on-site visits, extensive interviews with staff, and published materials.

Barb Cline, Executive Director

Prairie Hills Transit

430 Oriole Dr.

Spearfish, SD 57783

Tel: 605-642-6613

Fax: 605-642-6421

Web: www.prairiehillstransit.org

To provide support services for frail and vulnerable older adults and individuals with disabilities.

Project Dana is an interfaith volunteer caregivers program that provides transportation to older adults and individuals with disabilities.  Volunteers are assigned to service transportation on a one-to-one basis, allowing lasting relationships to develop.  Door-to-door and door-through-door services are provided, and escorts can be provided as needed.  There are no fees for transportation, but donations can be made.  Services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Reservations must be made at least 2 days in advance.  Project Dana also serves as a referral and linkage agency and works closely with more than 125 community and service agencies to ensure a continuum of services to older adults.  Funded by CDBG Tamura and Ifuku Foundation, HHA, Honpa Hongwanji Grant, rider donations, and the Moiliili Hongwanji Mission.

Project Dana received the 2002 STAR Award from the Beverly Foundation.

Project Dana

902 University Ave.

Honolulu, HI 96826

Tel: 808-945-3736

Fax: 808-945-0007

Email: rojdana@pixi.com

Web: www.moiliilihongwanji.org

Provide information that will help keep older drivers safe and to provide access to information on transportation options.

Project Safe R.O.A.D.s (safe and responsible options for aging drivers) maintains a website with information on driver safety for older adults, caregivers and human service professionals.  The project also provides exercise locations at community sites that focus on strength and balance training to help keep older driver agile and mobile, and information on transportation options for older adults living in Onondaga County when they can no longer drive themselves.

The Onondaga County Department of Aging and Youth received grant funding from NHTSA, who partnered with the American Society on Aging and the Academy for Educational Development, to initiate a project involving research on older driver habits in Onondaga County, New York.  A survey of over 600 drivers age 65 and older found that older drivers equate driving with independence, oppose mandatory testing for driver licensing, are willing to take driver classes to enhance driving skills, and want a variety of transportation options to be available even though they prefer the private automobile.  These findings along with a research grant from the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, in partnership with NHTSA, allowed the project to expand to its current state.

Onondaga County Department for Aging and Youth

John H. Mulroy Civic Center 13th Floor,
421 Montgomery Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
Tel: 315-435-2362
Fax: 315-435-3129

Web: www.ongov.net/Aging_and_Youth/SafeRoads

To provide low-cost transportation to the elderly, social service agency clients, the economically disadvantaged and persons with disabilities throughout Cumberland County, Maine.

With a fleet of 36 lift-equipped buses and vans, 39 agency certified drivers and a volunteer program that involves more than 50 drivers, RTP serves over 4,500 people countywide each year, providing more than a 1,000 rides a day to people who need to get to medical appointments, grocery shopping, work and other important places.  RTP runs 34 different routes across Cumberland County 7 days a week, doing door-to-door rider pickups and drop-offs.  Riders may set up a ride not later than 5:00 PM the day before the ride is needed.

Jon B. McNulty, Executive Director

Regional Transportation Program

127 St. John Street
Portland, ME 04102-3072

Tel: 800-244-0704

Fax: 207-828-8899

Email: jmcnulty@rtprides.org

Web: www.rtprides.org

To identify elements of roundabout design and operations that were problematic for older drivers and develop recommendations and guidelines for countermeasures with the potential to improve the comfort, confidence, and safety of older adults in using roundabouts.

A series of focus groups consisting of drivers over age 65 were held to determine potential design elements at roundabouts, such as highway geometrics, traffic signs, and pavement markings that might be problematic for older drivers.  Following the identification of these elements, structured interviews, using participants in the same age group, were conducted to evaluate potential countermeasures that could be implemented to improve the comfort, confidence, and safety of older drivers using roundabouts.  Results showed that design elements improving the path guidance of older drivers are critical for designing roundabouts. Recommendations about potential countermeasures related to advance warning signs, guide signs, yield treatment, directional signs, and exit treatment are also presented. Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and a National Institute of Health Research Grant.

Ida van Schalkwyk
Arizona State University
P.O. Box 875306
Tempe, AZ 85287-5306
Tel:  480-965-3001
Email:  idavan@asu.edu

To facilitate getting older adults out of the house and into the community.

Door-to-door transportation is provided to older adults for medical appointments, social and recreational activities, and religious events.  The service uses a mixed fleet of maxi-vans, passenger vans, minivans, and passenger cars which are all easily accessible for older adults.  Service is available during daytime and evening hours, seven days a week, and reservations can be made the same day.  There is a suggested contribution of $4 per trip for medical purposes and 25 cents each way for other rides, however, those who cannot afford the fare travel for free.  Funded by Rensselaer County, the New York State Office for the Aging, and the Older Americans Act of 1965.

This program was the recipient of the Beverly Foundation’s 2002 STAR Award for excellence in providing older adult transportation.

Rensselaer County

1600 7^th Ave.

Troy, NY 12180

Tel: 518-270-2732

Fax: 518-270-2737

Web: www.rensco.com/departments_aging.asp

To provide assistance to older adults and individuals with disabilities who do not have alternative transportation.

Created in response to a community needs assessment, the program has a Board of Directors with fundraising and transportation expertise, and employs both full- and part-time employees as well as volunteers.  It has formed service relationships with various providers and riders are referred to the closest provider when they call to request a ride.  Aside from rural county travel, riders are not charged a fee, however, donations are accepted.  Funded by Oregon DOT, Public Transit Division, Tri-Met, community foundations, and personal donations.

The Beverly Foundation found the program to be available, affordable, acceptable, accessible, and adaptable to the elderly and has recognized it as an award-winning program.

3030 SW Moody, Suite 230

Portland, OR  97201

Tel: (503) 528-1720

Web: http://www.rideconnection.org/index.html

Email: ride@rideconnection.org

To provide accessible transportation to all residents in a manner that promotes independence, self sufficiency, and economic opportunity.

RIDES offers brokerage for nine counties, fixed route services, demand-response and deviated fixed route services, demand response-paratransit and River Taxi service.  RIDES provides service on deviated fixed routes in several local towns and demand-response trips that are reserved 24 hours in advance.  These zoned deviated routes work through quadrants of a community every 15 minutes of the hour picking up riders at their homes, and incorporating stops at the major shopping centers and a series of stop shelters.  Drivers are trained to assist passengers with disabilities and provide door-to-door service where necessary.  The RIDES fleet is primarily made up of paratransit vehicles and provides nearly 250,000 passenger trips a year.  RIDES has contracts with more than 50 social service agencies in the area and clients of those agencies make up approximately 70 percent of the riders.  Fares vary, however, older adults who are clients of social service agencies in contractual agreements with RIDES may receive free ride passes issued by their agencies.  Service hours are from 6 AM to 6 PM Monday through Friday.  Funded by FTA, state sales tax, local matches from counties, cities, and nonprofit agencies, revenues from for-profit agencies, and rider fares.

In 2005, RIDES won the United We Ride Leadership Award for its service excellence and coordination efforts.  A case study by the Administration on Aging found the RIDES was very successful in the areas of progress through working together, planning for community needs, putting customers first, adapting funding, and moving people efficiently.

Bill Jung, CEO

RIDES Mass Transit District

1200 West Poplar St.

Harrisburg, IL 62946

Tel: 618-253-8761

Email: ceo@ridesmtd.com

Web: www.ridesmtd.com

To provide a balanced picture of the functional challenges that face many older adults and an array of ways in which older adults can take action to enhance their driving safety and remain mobile and connected to their communities.

This is a web-based educational module created for professionals in the field of aging, but is available for anyone interested in driving wellness and older adults for free to download and/or print. The module was developed through a cooperative agreement between the American Society on Aging and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and features Exercise for Life!, a physical activity program for keeping the keys longer, as well as other driving wellness programs. Highlighting the importance of discussions before a driving crisis arises, the module encourages older adults, their loved ones and the entire community to openly discuss driving issues and begin planning desirable options.  The program also provides information and guidance about creating driving wellness programs for older adults, including background information on the issues, organizing and implementing successful, and program evaluation. This module seeks to provide a balanced picture of the functional challenges that face many older adults. More importantly, it describes an array of ways in which most older adults can take action to enhance their driving safety and remain mobile and connected to their communities. The module also points to the ways, means and challenges that some communities have devised for those older adults who have reduced or retired from driving.

American Society on Aging

833 Market Street, Suite 511

San Francisco, CA 94103-1824

Tel: 800-537-9728 or 415-974-9600

Fax: 415-974-0300

Email: livewell@asaging.org

Web:  http://www.asaging.org/CDC/module4/home.cfm

To act as a source of comprehensive information regarding all types of roundabouts for a variety of audiences.

The guide defines roundabouts and reviews general characteristics, as well as the geometric design for each type of roundabout, traffic design and landscaping, system and traffic signal considerations, costs, education and public involvement, and policy considerations.  It also provides a planning guide to determine location selection and feasibility, analyze the operational factors, and assess safety implications.  Funded by FHWA.

FHWA

Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center

6300 Georgetown Pike, HSR 20, Room T301

McLean, VA  22101

Web:  http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/

Email:  joe.bared@dot.gov

To meet the informational needs and interests of drivers over age 55 and help extend their safe driving careers.

The program delivers tips and techniques to help experienced drivers compensate for changing vision, reflexes and response time; understand how prescription medications may affect driving; and drive defensively in a variety of situations.  Available for a nominal fee, the 8-hour course is delivered over 2 days.  Instructors undergo an initial 40-hour certification program, and recertify every 36 months.  Some AAA clubs also offer vision screening and/or on-road assessments and training.  All results are confidential.  Developed and funded by AAA.

This program was included in a study measuring the effectiveness of several countermeasures in improving the driving performance of older drivers.  The program resulted in a 7.9 percent overall improvement in driver performance, as measured by on-road driver performance.  However, the small sample size made it difficult to generalize the findings.

AAA Traffic Safety Programs

Driver Training MS 33

1000 AAA Drive

Heathrow, FL  32746

Web:  http://www.AAA.com

Email:  tsprograms@national.aaa.com

To create a web-based self-screening instrument to provide older drivers with individualized information to help them make better decisions about driving.

SAFER (Self-Awareness and FEedback for Responsible) Driving is a web-based self-screening instrument focused on health concerns – that is, the symptoms people experience due to medical conditions, medications used to treat them, and the general aging process – rather than the medical conditions or medications themselves.  Based on review of the literature and input from an expert panel and focus groups, 27 health concerns related to vision, cognition, and psychomotor ability, and 15 critical driving skills were included in the instrument.  The instrument provides personalized feedback to users about the health concerns and critical driving skills, as well as recommendations for safe driving practices and further evaluation.  Funded by NHTSA.

In preliminary testing with 68 older adults, results from the self screening were compared with results from a clinical evaluation and an on-road driving assessment administered through the University of Michigan Drive-Ability program.  The self-screening instrument was found to correlate with both the clinical evaluation and on-road driving assessment.  Feedback from participants indicated that the instrument made them more aware of changes that can affect driving and was useful as a reminder of things they already knew.  Most participants reported that they would be likely to use it in the future or recommend it to others, and substantial numbers reported their intent to make changes in their driving or seek further evaluation as a result of completing the instrument.

David W. Eby, Ph.D.

The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute

2901 Baxter Rd.

Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2150

Tel: (734) 763-2466

Email: eby@umich.edu

Web: http://www.um-saferdriving.org

To provide information and services to the aging population, their families and care providers.

Provides fixed-route, demand response, and escort services for trips to nutrition sites, shopping, senior centers, medical/healthcare, libraries, and beauty salons.  The transportation program operates Monday through Friday from 8 to 5 and requires a reservation 24 hours in advance.

Senior Resources Agency on Aging

4 Broadway, 3rd Floor
Norwich, Connecticut 06360

Tel: 860-887-3561

Fax: 860-886-4736

Email: seniorinfo@seniorresourcesec.org

Web: www.seniorresourcesec.org

To provide transportation options to preserve dignity, maximize independence, and provide access to the full range of activities that contribute to quality of life.

This transportation program provides personalized, escorted, free transportation throughout King County, Washington.  The Volunteer Transportation program includes over 350 volunteers that use their own vehicles to drive older adults to medical and other essential appointments.  There is no charge for volunteer transportation services.  Senior Services also provides Senior Shuttles, a service to give older adults an opportunity to socialize with other older adults and stay active within their communities.  Senior Shuttles transports older adults to hot meal programs, medical appointments, senior centers, grocery stores, and other local destinations. There is no charge for rides, but donations are welcome.

Cindy Zwart, Manager

2208 2nd Avenue
Seattle, WA 98121

Tel: 206-448-5740 Volunteer Transportation
Tel: 206-727-6262 Senior Shuttles

Email: CindyZ@seniorservices.org

Web: www.seniorservices.org

To provide transportation to older adults age 62 and older for medical purposes.

Individual volunteers use their own vehicles to drive older adults to and from their appointments at hospitals, doctors' offices and other medical facilities.  Reservations should be made at least 3 days in advance.  There is no specific cost for the transportation, but contributions for services provided are welcome.  This program is funded in part by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, the city of O’Fallon, and the Beverly Foundation.

This program was the recipient of the Beverly Foundation’s STAR Award for Excellence in 2005.

O'Fallon Senior Center

106 N. Main
O’Fallon, MO  63366
Tel: 636-978-3306

To inspire and guide transportation practices in other communities as they try to improve the quality and cost effectiveness of their transportation services, and thus to improve the quality of the lives of their older adults and other residents.

Developed by the US Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Aging, this Transportation Toolkit provides a number of resources for improving older adult transportation services on a community-wide basis.  An in-depth review of 14 case studies details the successes of community-based action that resulted in expanded services for older adults.  Readers interested in starting the process in their own communities can use a PowerPoint presentation provided in the Toolkit to get the word out to fellow community members.  The Community Transportation Template allows communities to develop a personalized transportation directory, which identifies options available to the average community member.  The template also provides a framework from which to inventory and assess existing transportation options, gaps, and needs.  A 52 page Door-Through-Door Guide explains the importance of door-through-door programs, provides case studies of successful programs, and directs communities on how to develop and sustain a flourishing door-through-door service.

National Center on Senior Transportation

1425 K Street, NW Suite 200

Washington, DC 20005

Tel: (202) 347-3066

Web: http://www.seniortransportation.net/

To provide centralized and coordinated service, information, education and leadership helping to assist older adults in maximizing their independence and personal dignity.

The Seniors' Resource Center’s Transportation Services provide rides to older adults and persons of all ages with disabilities in both mountain and city areas of the community. Vehicles are wheelchair accessible and drivers provide door-to-door, demand response service.  Riders call to make reservations for services in advance.  Fees vary depending on the trip, but financial assistance is available for low-income and disabled riders.  Using a grant from the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, SRC provides free transportation to medical appointments and continuous follow up care (such as counseling) for uninsured or underinsured breast cancer patients age 40 and older.  Funding from local, state, and federal allocations; and contributions from foundations, corporations and businesses, civic groups, clients, and friends.

In 2002 the program received the Colorado Association of Transit Agencies Mid-Transit Award in recognition of its leadership in creating a transportation program that is a model for other agencies and in expanding transportation services to additional communities.

Seniors' Resource Center

3227 Chase Street
Denver, CO 80212
Tel: (303) 238-8151 Phone
Web: http://www.srcaging.org/

To provide transportation options to older adults.

Volunteers provide escorted rides in their own vehicles and stay with clients to provide assistance.  Rides are free, but donations are accepted.  An Escort Transportation Committee oversees the program.  Service relationships have been established with various agencies and medical facilities.  Rides must be scheduled more than 2 days in advance and typically occur during daylight hours, Monday through Thursday.  A different person coordinates the scheduling each week by matching drivers with riders.  The volunteer drivers contact riders to confirm arrangements.  Funded by rider donations/contributions and a local church.

Susan VanderLugt

1833 S. Burdick St.

Kalamazoo, MI  49001

Tel:  (269) 383-1122

Email: shepctrkal@sbcglobal.net

To promote the physical, mental, and social well-being of older adults and assist them in maintaining their dignity, continued productivity, and independence.

The not-for-profit program provides door-to-door transportation for older adults and people with disabilities to medical appointments, pharmacies, financial institutions, and grocery stores. Reservations must be made 2 days in advance, and service is available during daytime hours on weekdays.  Trips are free of charge, but donations are welcome.

This program was the recipient of the Beverly Foundation’s 2002 STAR Award for excellence in providing older adult transportation.

Rebecca Gordon, Executive Director

Shepherd’s Center of the Northland

4805 NE Antioch Rd., Suite 9

Kansas City, MO 64119

Tel: 816-452-4536

Fax: 816-452-5326

Email: rgordscn@kc.rr.com

Web: www.geocities.com/shepherdnorth

To broker and contract for transportation in a six-county region.

The agency brokers demand-response and subscription trips provided by public transit authorities, other providers, and volunteers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Door-to-door and escort services are provided as needed.  The agency has a priority in providing medical-related transportation with 35 percent of the funding resources going to this area.  Funded by the Older Americans Act, Medicaid, local governments, and FTA.

A case study conducted by the Administration on Aging found coordination activities have been successful in a wide range of areas, including surveying and planning for community transportation needs, utilizing a variety of funding sources, moving people efficiently, and including public organizations, faith-based organizations, and nonprofits in the transportation system.

Michael Stogner

South Carolina Appalachian Council of Governments

30 Century Circle

P.O. 6668

Greenville, SC 29606

Tel: 864-242-9733

Fax: 864-242-6957

Email: stogner@scacog.org or info@scacog.org

Web: www.scacog.org

To provide leadership and resources to meet the needs of the rapidly growing older adult population and to maintain and improve the quality of life and independence of older adults.

SWCAA provides door-to-door, demand-response, and escort service for purposes of shopping, banking, medical appointments for older adults or individuals with disabilities who need special accommodations and are unable to use other available means of transportation.  SWCAA is a funding source for federal and state dollars for older adults in the 14 town region of southwestern Connecticut.

Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging

10 Middle St.

Bridgeport, CT 06604

Tel: 202-333-9288 or 800-994-9422

Fax: 203-696-3866

Email: swcaa@swcaa.org

Web: www.swcaa.org

To offer services that enable older adult residents of St. Johns County to live independently and with dignity while remaining contributing members of the community.

This program provides portal-to-portal non-emergency medical transportation services to ambulatory and wheelchair-bound clients within the St. Johns County area Monday through Friday.  Transportation services include trips to and from medical appointments, shopping, senior centers, and sheltered workshops.  Reservations must be made at least 24 hours before a scheduled appointment and can be made up to 1 week in advance.  Funded by Medicaid, county funding, FTA, an Intelligent Transportation Services grant, Florida WAGES program through Jacksonville Transit Authority, Department of Children and Families, Administration on Aging Title III, fares and contributions.

A case study by the Administration on Aging showed this program’s coordination efforts to be successful in putting customers first, progress through working together, and planning for community needs.

Cathy Brown, Executive Director

St. Johns County Council on Aging

180 Marine Street

St. Augustine, FL 32084

Tel: 904-823-4810

Fax: 904-823-4805

Email: coa@aug.com

Web: www.stjohnscoa.com

To promote safe walking as a way of maintaining health and independence.

This booklet provides information on how to maintain safety while walking, whether for exercise or for transportation.  The health benefits of walking are discussed, as well as tips to get started and ways to incorporate walking into everyday life.  Readers are directed to their physician for guidance on developing an individual walking program.  Suggestions for staying safe at intersections, in parking lots, in non-sidewalk areas, and in bad weather are also provided, and special safety issues related to older adults, such as hearing and vision loss and a reduction in flexibility are mentioned.  Additional resources, including who to contact if there are no safe places to walk, are listed.  Funded by NHTSA.

National Highway Traffic Safety Association

U.S. Department of Transportation

400 7^th St, S.W.

Washington, DC 20590

Web:  http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/olddrive/booklet.html

To connect training and licensing so that older adults can continue to drive safely longer.

This is a free, voluntary program that includes both assessment and educational components. Participants attend the Rules of the Road Course which includes information on license renewal, a review of safe driving techniques and state traffic laws, and a practice written exam. Participants can also take an optional vision exam required to obtain or renew a license, as well as practice their driving skills through a driving simulation.  A Secretary of State Mobile Driver Services Unit will be available for participants to renew their driver's licenses.  Funded by Department of Motor Vehicles/Secretary of State.

Illinois Secretary of State

213 State Capitol

Springfield, IL 62706

Tel: 800-252-8980

Web: www.sos.state.il.us/home.html

To enrich the lives of older adults residing in Montgomery County, Texas.

The Friendship Center maintains a fleet of 29 wheelchair accessible vans and buses to transport older adults and the disabled throughout Montgomery County.  Transportation is provided for the purposes of medical and business appointments, shopping, field trips, and to senior centers for meals and activities.  Forty-eight hours advance notice is requested.  There are no fees required, but a donation is requested to assist with operational costs.  Funding assistance is provided through grants from the Houston-Galveston Area Council on Aging, The Montgomery County United Way, Montgomery County Commissioner's Court and Community Development, The Town Center Improvement District, and The Texas DOT.

The Friendship Center

1202 Callahan Ave
Conroe, TX 77301
Tel: 936-756-5828

To test the effectiveness of the FHWA guidelines for intersection design.

Study results are presented that examined selected roadway design features.  The FHWA proposed guidelines for highway design to increase the safe driving ability of older drivers.  These guidelines included assessments and recommendations applicable to four categories of roadway design features; those appropriate for intersections, interchanges, roadway curvature/passing zones, and construction work zones.  Certain roadway intersection characteristics may be more problematic for older drivers, increasing the risk of driving errors and crashes.  This study looked at roadway intersection features in an urbanized area because this is where crashes are most prevalent.  Funded by the FHWA.

Kinematics measures and behavioral data collected during on-road driving evaluations were used to quantify the effects of improved versus unimproved intersections to determine if the improved intersections were safer (vehicle stability and driver confidence) for both older and younger drivers.  The study found drivers made fewer errors at two of the improved intersections, and across all maneuvers, older drivers appeared to make fewer errors on the improved intersections.

Sherrilene Classen

College of Public Health and Health Professions

University of Florida

P.O. Box 100164

Gainesville, FL 32615

Email: sclassen@phhp.ufl.edu

To investigate the effects of implementing FHWA guidelines on the driving performance of older and younger drivers using a driving simulator.

Particular characteristics of roadway intersections, such as making tight turns, driving at appropriate speeds, and merging into traffic, may be more challenging for older than for younger drivers.  Improved intersections have enhanced roadway features intended to create a safer driving experience.  The improvements include: extended receiving lane, right turn with channelization and an acceleration lane, left-turn offset, and separate lane signals with protected left turn phase.  Funded by the FHWA.

Four intersection pair (improved versus unimproved) were replicated in a driving simulator.  Thirty-nine subjects, 19 young and 20 older adults, participated in the study.  Driving performance was examined using kinematic data and behavioral data.  The study found that both young and older drivers may benefit from roadways with safety features recommended by the FHWA guidelines as indicated by the increased lateral control of the vehicle when negotiating these intersections.

Orit Shechtman

College of Public Health and Health Professions

University of Florida

P.O. Box 100164

Gainesville, FL 32611

Email: oshechtm@phhp.ufl.edu

To help older drivers continue to drive safely by encouraging self screening of driving skills and providing educational materials on how to compensate for the effects of aging.

Published by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, this brochure and video provide older drivers with information on the changes that occur with age and their effects on the ability to drive.  Issues of vision, cognition, fitness, medication, and driving cessation are discussed to help drivers recognize their limitations and suggestions are made about where drivers can get additional help.

A study by the Center on Aging at the University of Victoria attempted to determine the utility of an educational intervention that encourages self screening and the acceptance and perceived usefulness of this program by older adults.  Six 90-minute driving self-screening educational sessions using voluntary participants recruited through flyers were conducted. Participants completed two surveys regarding driving history, knowledge and attitudes, and driving self screening. A final questionnaire was given to assess the usefulness and relevance of the educational session. The driving self-screening survey found that two thirds of the participants were aware of factors that contribute to unsafe driving and were utilizing this knowledge. Participants reported the educational sessions to be valuable and indicated that they plan to make changes to their driving behaviors as a result of the information received from the session. The impact of these educational sessions on participants’ subsequent behavior has not yet been assessed.

Centre on Aging, University of Victoria

PO BOX 1700, STN CSC

Victoria, BC

Canada V8W 2Y2

Tel: 250-721-6369

Fax: 250-721-6499

Web: www.coag.uvic.ca

To enable all residents of the greater Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti area in Michigan to reach their destination at a reasonable cost by using efficient, environmentally sound transportation alternatives.

The Ride provides both fixed route and demand response transportation for the Ann Arbor area and offers a number of programs directed at older adults.  Older adults age 60-64 can travel for a reduced fare of $.50 and those aged 65 and older ride for $.25.  Monthly passes can also be purchased for unlimited rides.  The Ride offers a “Senior Ride Grocery Trip” service which provides group trips to five local grocery stores from ten area senior citizen housing complexes.  Older adult riders can also take a shared-taxi trip anywhere within the city limits for a reduced fare.  The older adult “Out & About” program is a free travel training program that sends a staff member to teach prospective riders how to use the bus system.  This “travel trainer” educates both individuals and groups on how to reach their desired destinations and attempts to ease fears about the public transportation system.  A local advisory committee holds public monthly meetings to discuss issues related to older adults and persons with disabilities.

A survey of fixed route riders in 2006 found riders were highly satisfied with services and information provided by the transit system.

Ann Arbor Transit Authority

2700 S. Industrial Highway

Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Tel: (734) 996-0400

Web:  http://www.theride.org/

To support effective transportation planning in states, cities and regions, rural and small communities, and tribal areas.

The TPCB Program is a joint effort of FHWA and FTA directed to members of policy boards and executive committees; technical staff who participate in statewide, metropolitan, and local planning processes; officials and staff in non-metropolitan areas; and tribal government officials and staff.  The program provides information, training, and technical assistance to these officials and acts as a clearinghouse for information and contacts within the transportation planning community.  A number of training programs are offered on demand on a variety of topics.  The Peer Program encourages the exchange of innovative ideas by bringing leaders nationwide together to share experiences and promote good practices, allowing successful ideas to spread rapidly.  All resources are tailored to the size of the interested party, whether it be statewide planning, metropolitan areas, small and rural communities, or tribal areas.

US Department of Transportation

See website for Regional Contact Information

http://www.planning.dot.gov

To help people find and pay for volunteers to drive and escort them to various locations and provide free information on the availability of public transportation in the county.

The program represents a partnership between nonprofit and government sectors.  Through HelpLink, TRIP’s toll-free helpline, specialists discuss transportation needs with callers, make referrals to providers who can assist them, send out brochures, route schedules, and refer people to the American Disabilities Act certification process of transit agencies.  A committee evaluates each applicant for the program in order to determine eligibility.  TRIP reimburses its clients for mileage, and clients in turn reimburse their volunteer drivers.  Staff includes part-time employees and volunteers.  Funded by tax support, SunLine Transit Agency, Riverside County Office on Aging, and charitable contributions.

In a survey of program participants, many reported that TRIP has improved their life and allows them to meet their travel needs.  The Beverly Foundation found the program to be available, affordable, acceptable, accessible, and adaptable to older adults and has recognized it as an award-winning program.

Richard Smith

6296 Rivercrest Drive, Suite K

Riverside, CA  92507-1769

Tel:  (951) 867-3800

Fax: (951) 867-3830

Web:  http://www.livingpartnership.org/transportation.htm

Email:  executivedirector@livingpartners.org

To provide helpful resources for family caregivers and volunteer drivers of older adults with cognitive and/or physical impairments.

Targeted to family members, volunteer drivers, and social service and transportation service providers, this comprehensive toolkit provides extensive material and resources that can be utilized to address aging drivers.  The program offers a video, informational booklet, and a list of helpful products and resources for caregivers.  Recommendations are given as to the best ways to communicate and cooperate with aging loved ones during this often difficult transition.  Materials are also provided to support and enhance new and existing volunteer transportation programs and to address and support aspects of Adult Day Services transportation programs.  A customizable electronic template, developed in collaboration with the Beverly Foundation, allows community members to identify transportation options available to older adults and develop a user-friendly brochure to distribute to caregivers and older adults.  Funded by the Administration on Aging’s National Family Caregiver Support Program.

Easter Seals

230 West Monroe Street, Suite 1800
Chicago, IL 60606

Tel: (312) 726-6200

Fax: (312) 726-1494

Web: http://www.easterseals.com/transportation

To provide human service and public transportation programs.

Developed by a coalition of human service providers who pooled their resources to develop better transportation services, Treasure Valley Transit has two fixed routes, demand response, and contract services.  Demand response services provide for older adults in need of transportation to medical appointments, and will take clients into Boise for specialized visits.  Treasure Valley Transit also works with local senior centers to provide transportation services.  Funding from a variety of local and federal sources.

This program was recognized in the 2004 GAO for Transportation-Disadvantaged Seniors as a local service provider or practice that can enhance transportation-disadvantaged older adult’s mobility.

909 3^rd St S

Nampa, ID 83651

Tel: (208) 463-9111

Email: peggy@treasurevalleytransit.com

Web: http://www.treasurevalleytransit.com

To provide safe and reliable transportation services.

Tri-Met partners with human services agencies in the area and provides fixed-rail, fixed-route, paratransit, and demand-response service 7 days a week using wheelchair accessible vehicles. The paratransit services are provided to ADA-certified passengers with 24-hour advance notice. Tri-Met has also created a non-profit agency called Volunteer Transportation, Inc. (VTI), in order to be eligible for special education funding. VTI has vehicles that provide transportation to private, nonprofit organizations and agencies, ensuring that the vehicles are used efficiently and effectively through vehicle loans among the agencies or vehicle sharing. VTI provides transportation for individuals who do not qualify for ADA and do not have fixed-route service available. Drivers are able to use their own cars and are provided training through VTI. Funded by payroll related taxes, passenger revenue, cigarette tax, interest, and other sources.

4012 SE 17th Ave.

Portland, OR 97202

Tel: 503-962-2100

Web: http://www.trimet.org/index.shtml

To help older drivers to continue to drive safely.

Older drivers can be referred by health care professionals, family members, or self-referred. Vision, useful field of view (UFOV), memory, and attention screening, as well as an on-road driving tests, are used to evaluate a person’s ability to drive. Testing is completed by an Occupational Therapist who is also a Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS).  Results from the assessment are reported to the patient and the referring physician. The clinic also educates participants on alternative transportation options and “rules of the road.” Funded by University of Alabama at Birmingham.

In prior testing, the UFOV test was able to predict at a high level of sensitivity and specificity, which older drivers had a crash history. Older adults with a sizable limitation of their UFOV were six times more likely to have been involved in a crash in the past 5 years.

University of Alabama at Birmingham

UAB Driving Assessment Clinic
Jennifer Elgin MS OTR/L CDRS
Tel: 205-325-8646 or 800-822-8816.
Fax: 205-488-0708
Web:  http://www.eyes.uab.edu/driving/

Email: driving@eyes.uab.edu.

To meet the transportation needs of all individuals through transportation coordination.

United We Ride is an initiative of the Federal Interagency Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility (CCAM).  The CCAM was developed under an Executive Order to reduce duplication, enhance efficiencies, and simplify access to transportation services for older adults, people with disabilities, and individuals with lower incomes.  This includes the development of policies that break down barriers for coordinating services at the local level.  United We Ride (UWR) also provides support to states and their localities as they develop coordinated transportation programs.  The vision of the initiative is ONE CALL, so that citizens have easier access to a “family of transportation services” (e.g., bus, taxi, paratransit, volunteer) regardless of the funding source, the provider, the destination, or the rider.  UWR provides technical assistance and training that will help communities become more accessible.  UWR Ambassadors travel around the nation assisting communities to develop and implement coordinated human service transportation plans, and also try to increase public awareness of transportation issues.  Useful practices are also identified and placed into a database, making it simple to share information about the most successful initiatives in terms of increased efficiency, simplified access, and reduced duplication.

Web: http://www.unitedweride.gov
Tel: 1-800-527-8279
Email: unitedweride@dot.gov

To use a special licensing program to regulate drivers with medical conditions.

The program identifies drivers whose functional abilities may be impaired by their medical conditions, assigns them a functional ability level, and regulates how and when they may legally drive (e.g., through area or time-of-day restrictions), based on their ability level.

Comparisons of crash rates were made between drivers licensed with and without medical conditions.  Drivers in the medical conditions program generally had higher crash rates than comparison groups, although the differences were relatively modest, and most of the subgroups of medical conditions associated with increased crash risk were at the least restricted functional ability levels.

NHTSA

U.S. Department of Transportation

400 7th Street, S.W.

Washington, DC 20590

Web: www.nhtsa.gov

Web:  http://driverlicense.utah.gov/medicine/index.html

To provide transportation to people over the age of 60 living in Blue Earth and Nicollet counties.

Trained and insured volunteer drivers provide transportation to medical appointments, grocery stores, and social and congregational events.  Riders may request a volunteer escort to both drive and accompany them to doctor’s appointments and on shopping trips.  Requests for local rides must be made 24 hours in advance.  Transportation to out-of-town medical appointments can also be accommodated, and may require more advance notice.  The program is supported through donations from riders and their family members and the Blue Earth County Human Services.

This program was the recipient of The Beverly Foundation’s STAR Award for Excellence in 2005.

VINE Faith in Action

1618 Third Avenue
Mankato, MN 56001

Tel: 507-387-1666
Fax: 507-387-5775

Email: vine@vinevolunteers.com

Web: www.vinevolunteers.com

To offer families practical information to help them advise their family members about whether it is time to limit or stop driving.

This guide offers families a multistep approach to crafting candid, effective discussions about older driver safety, from positive conversation starters to advice on which family member should broach the topic.  It lists the warning signs to watch for, such as riding the brake and hitting curbs, and gives strategies for identifying alternative transportation options, testing opportunities, and recommendations on what to do if a parent has dementia or a high-risk driver refuses to stop driving.  Developed by The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., in collaboration with the MIT Age Lab.

The findings are based on a 2-year study of drivers’ attitudes and driving habits.  Drivers were considered to be people who were licensed to drive and had driven at least once in the previous 12 months.  The study included a nationally representative survey of 3,824 licensed drivers aged 50 and older, in addition to focus groups with older adults who have modified their driving, and interviews with family caregivers of persons with dementia.  The Hartford was the recipient of the 2005 American Society on Aging Business and Aging Award for this guide.

The Hartford

Family Conversations with Older Drivers

200 Executive Blvd.

Southington, CT 06489

Web: www.thehartford.com/talkwitholderdrivers

To provide a range of services to Cincinnati Ohio’s older adult population.

Door-to-door transportation for medical appointments is available 6 days a week from early morning hours to early evening, if necessary.  On Sundays, transportation is provided to a local church.  Riders must make a reservation 24 hours in advance, but some same-day trips are made if a vehicle is available.  Fees for transportation vary.  Annually, the program serves nearly 700 riders and in 2003 provided over 20,000 trips.  Funding comes from rider fees and tax revenue.

The program was the recipient of the 2003 STAR Award from the Beverly Foundation.

Michael Hodges, Manager of Nutrition and Medical Transportation

Wesley Community Services

3333 Glenmore Ave.

Cincinnati, OH 45230

Tel: 513-661-2777

Fax: 513-389-3092

Web: www.wesleycs.org

To identify and prioritize the needs of older adults in Westchester, to create comprehensive and coordinated plans for meeting those needs.

This department offers services to adults age 60 years and older in Westchester County.  It provides curb-to-curb paratransit primarily for medical appointments, escort service to medical appointments, shared rides, buses for group activities, transportation to nutrition centers, work, health screenings, shopping, and senior centers.  The department also includes an Older Driver Family Assistance program to help families and caregivers deal with the issue of driving cessation by providing them with individualized advice.

Department of Senior Programs & Services (DSPS)

9 South First Avenue, 10th Floor               
Mount Vernon, NY 10550-3414
Phone:  914-813-6300 

Fax:  914-813-6399

Email: jsw1@westchestergov.com

Web: www.westchestergov.com/aging

To develop, manage, and provide comprehensive services for older adults, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities to enable them to maintain their independence and quality of life.

WCAAA provides a variety of services to older adults age 60 and older and adults with disabilities.  It provides escort, fixed-route, and demand-response transportation to grocery stores, medical appointments, nursing homes for spousal visits, congregate meal sites, senior centers, hospitals, and provider agencies.  Transportation is provided only within the town in which the service provider operates.

Western Connecticut Area Agency on Aging

84 Progress Lane

Waterbury, CT 06705

Tel: 203-757-5449 or 800-994-9422

Fax: 203-757-4081

Email: info@wcaa.org

Web: www.wcaaa.org

To provide information about issues and resources regarding older drivers to friends, family members, and caregivers.

The handbook, available online, is organized into eight chapters.  The chapters include an overview of concerns faced by family and friends regarding an older driver, how and where to find help, interventions, keeping an older driver driving safely, how to prepare for future driving cessation how to help the former driver cope with driving cessation, and alternative transportation options.  Based on this handbook, the Help Network initiative was developed as a one-stop hotline to assist older drivers and their families obtain information on driving safety.  Calls are directed to the Department of Senior Services, the lead agency.  Help network member agencies take referrals from the lead agency and work directly with families where necessary.  Each member shares the network services directory and can also cross-refer families to other services.

New York State Office for the Aging

2 Empire State Plaza

Albany, NY 12223-1251

Tel: 800-342-9871 or 518-474-5731

Fax: 518-486-2225

Web:  http://www.aging.state.ny.us/caring/concerned/

Email: nysofa@ofa.state.ny.us

To educate and provide assistance to older drivers regarding road safety and provide information about alternatives to driving.

Initiated by the Hawthorn Community Education Project, Inc., the program represents a partnership between older adults, adult educators, and government and non-government agencies.  Topics include changes in traffic laws, building confidence, driving conditions, licensing, as well as the effects of aging and medical conditions on driving.  Information is also provided about crashes, ensuring automobiles are safe for the road, pedestrian safety, and planning for the future.  The 8-hour interactive course is held over a 4-week period with 10-15 older drivers taught by a trained facilitator, and workshop sessions feature a guest police officer.  A variety of audio-visual aids and books are used.  Funded by the Hawthorn Community Education Project, Inc., local councils, and state traffic authority.

The project will be formally evaluated by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.  Researchers plan to conduct surveys before and after training to assess the impact of the course and its usefulness to older drivers.  Informal feedback indicates that participants found the course to be a helpful and positive experience.  Participants reported increased knowledge of road safety, as well as a willingness to adapt their driving habits.  Evaluations are carried out by participants at the end of the each course.

Hawthorn Community Information Centre

584A Glenferrie Road

Hawthorn  3122

Victoria, Australia

Tel:  61 3 9819 5758 or 61 3 9819 5771

Web:  http://www.hcec.edu.au

Email:  vickib@hcec.edu.au

To provide transportation in rural areas of Michigan.

Yates Dial-a-Ride provides public, demand- responsive transportation in Lake County, a rural area of Michigan.  Services are also extended to three adjacent townships.  Yates Dial-A-Ride also contracts with area human service agencies, including the Senior Center, to provide transportation for residents with disabilities.  Transportation services are provided Monday-Friday from 6:30 AM-6:00 PM and Saturday from 8:30 AM-4 PM.

Ms. Vedra Gant, director.
1987 E US 10, P.O. Box 147, 
Idlewild, MI 49642
Phone: (231) 745-7322 
Fax: (231) 745-2070 
Email: yatesdart@carrwblue.net

To promote behaviors conducive to safe driving, encourage older drivers to take responsibility for the future of their driving, increase knowledge and awareness, and promote self screening of driving abilities.

Program development was based on a literature review of issues related to older drivers, discussion groups with both drivers and nondrivers, and consultation with experts in the area of older drivers.  The program consists of a free 90-minute PowerPoint presentation, supported by non-compulsory practical “Refresher” drives and a comprehensive handbook.  Short videos feature similar older individuals experiencing driving problems.  The presentation is delivered free of charge to organized groups of older people.  Funded and presented by the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland.

An evaluation consisting of a retrospective and prospective survey found that individuals who attended the Years Ahead session exhibited a significant increase in their knowledge and awareness of road safety.  It was also found to have a positive impact on participants’ views and attitudes.  Evaluations could not determine the extent to which the program affected actual driving behavior.

Royal Automobile Club of Queensland

Driver Education Unit

Tel:  (07) 3872 8925

Email:  deu@racq.com.au

Web:  http://www.racv.com.au

To promote self-sufficiency by providing York County, Maine residents with a means to get to services and resources that otherwise would not be accessible.

A variety of transportation options are provided to older adults, individuals with disabilities, and the general public.  The program provides scheduled bus transportation for shopping and medical appointments to York County residents on a weekly basis and door-to-door services for those whose needs cannot be met by the bus program due to route or scheduling conflicts.  Reduced rates or free service are available to eligible individuals.

A case study by the Beverly Foundation and CTAA identified this program as being innovative in the way it provides transportation that serves older adults.  The case study was developed from on-site visits, extensive interviews with staff, and published materials.

Connie Garber, Transportation Director

Transportation Program
York County Community Action Corporation
6 Spruce Street, PO Box 72
Sanford, ME 04073

Tel: 207-324-5762

Fax: 207-490-5027 

Web: www.yccac.org