AARP a great partner for safety, livability

As I’ve mentioned many times before in this blog, safety is DOT’s number one priority.  That’s why I was glad to be given the opportunity to speak to the AARP Driver Safety Program National Leadership Conference yesterday about ways that DOT and AARP can continue to work together to ensure that all Americans are safe and secure when using America’s roads, bridges, and public transportations systems.

AARP knows a thing or two about safety.  Its Driver Safety Program provides classroom and online courses to help seasoned drivers stay abreast with changes in vehicle technology, changes in road rules, and changes in driving conditions.  And, yes, the program does offer tips on how to adapt to the inevitable vison changes that go hand in hand with age.

 

AARP also offers “We Need to Talk,” an important resource to help families and caregivers fairly and sensitively discuss when it might be time to stop driving.

At DOT, we’re listening to organizations like AARP about how we can be most helpful in improving the transportation their members use every day.  For example, AARP is already working with us to develop a culture of personal responsibility among drivers.  DOT’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is working with AARP to make sure its members’ voices are heard on issues like driver licensing and law enforcement.  And the Federal Highway Administration is working with AARP on roadway design.

In addition to safety, another focus that DOT and AARP share is a commitment to creating more livable communities in all parts of our country, including urban, suburban and rural neighborhoods. 

 

DOT is working to increase pedestrian and public transportation options.  And this benefits everyone, from senior citizens using wheelchairs, to parents pushing strollers down the sidewalk, to kids riding their bikes.  Livable communities are crucial to ensuring that folks can visit with friends or access social services and medical care.  In short, they allow people to keep their independence and mobility as they get older.

Working together, DOT and AARP have made good progress toward improving America’s transportation options, but there is still plenty more work ahead of us. And I look forward to continuing DOT’s partnership with AARP to ensure safe and effective transportation for seniors, and for all Americans.

Comments

[Harvey Botzman]

You are correct Secretary LaHood. AARP is a valuable partner with State DOT's throughout the United States.

In 2010, the New York State AARP worked with the New York Bicycling Coalition (www.nybc.net), Sierra Club, and other organizations to pass Complete Streets bills in the New York State legislature. The bill passed the NYS Senate but did not come to a vote by the entire NYS Assembly.

In 2011, the New York Bicycling Coalition, the AARP, the Sierra Club, the Adirondack Mt. Club, and many local organizations is once again trying to have Complete Streets bills passed by both houses of the NYS legislature and signed by Governor Cuomo.

Scare tactics by opponents of this bill claim it will "mandate" specific facilities to make communities more livable and safer for both pedestrians and bicyclists. Not so, nothing is mandated other than a vague and I paraphrase, 'consider pedestrian and bicycle facilities when constructing or reconstructing a roadway, bridge, or similar facilities.'

Please help AARP and the New York Bicycling Coalition to pass the Complete Streets bills numbers: NYS Assembly bill A01863 and NYS Senate bill S1332

[Beth Tracton-Bishop, PhD]

We too think driving safety is a top priority. Smart drivers know there is always room for improvement, and constantly look for ways to enhance their skills, like completing AARP’s Driver Safety Program. Here are three steps drivers can do to maintain safe driving skills throughout their lifetime.

Be a healthy driver. Take care of your health by getting regular checkups, considering the side-effects of any medications you are taking, having a thorough eye exam and exercising regularly.

Keep learning. Defensive driver programs provide a baseline of knowledge about safe driving as we grow older. In some states, drivers may receive a discount on their insurance for completing one of these programs. Drivers who keep learning can stay safer on the road.

Adjust to changes in your driving skills. Drivers need to be aware of age related changes and make appropriate adjustments to their driving, such as limiting driving at night, during rush hour, or long distances. Adult drivers can also have their skills assessed by a medical professional specifically trained to understand driving issues, and receive driving rehabilitation if needed.

Beth Tracton-Bishop, Phd
Gerontologist
The Hartford
www.safedrivingforalifetime.com/blog