Older Driver, ECHS, Committees,Traffic Engineering, NCDOT

Improve the Roadway and Driving Environment to Better Accommodate the Special Needs of Older Road Users: Building Capacity
Description:	Conduct one-day training workshop to transportation planners, engineers, and other practitioners through state DOTs and others (ITE chapters, LTAP, etc.), based on the Highway Design Handbook for Older Drivers and Pedestrians.
Group Lead:	Jane Stutts - UNC Highway Safety Research Center
ECHS Approval:	January 16, 2007
Host Agency:	NCDOT
Agency Contact:	Ken Ivey
Notes:
Status:	Workshops were held first quarter of 2007. It is the intent of the group to offer these workshops on a regular, reoccurring basis.
Evaluation:	N/A

Identify Hazardous Intersections and Improve Their Safety for Older Drivers
Description:	This strategy outlines a process by which intersection locations in the state that pose particular problems for older drivers will be identified, and changes recommended to improve their safety. The goal of the strategy is to reduce the number of older driver crashes at intersections while at the same time improving safety for all drivers.
Group Lead:	Jane Stutts - UNC Highway Safety Research Center
ECHS Approval:	October 24, 2006
Host Agency:	NCDOT
Agency Contact:	Brian Mayhew
Notes:
Evaluation:	Awaiting sufficient data
Evaluation:	N/A

Improve Signage at Non-Standard Interchange Approaches
Description:	One of the first challenges members of the NC Senior Driver Safety Coalition were called upon to address was a problem in knowing which lane to be in to access an Interstate or other limited access freeway. The problem arises when traveling on a multi-lane minor roadway where, depending on the interchange design (typically either a "diamond" or "cloverleaf"), a driver may need to position himself in the outside lane for a right-hand turn or the inside lane for a left-hand turn. The situation is exacerbated by non-standard interchange designs, and, of course, for drivers unfamiliar with a particular interchange (i.e., non-local travelers). Older drivers can find such interchanges especially challenging if required to maneuver their vehicle quickly into another lane for turning, and may even become confused and turn onto an exit ramp by mistake. At the very least, they become frustrated when they miss their turn and have to backtrack for a second approach.
Group Lead:	Jane Stutts - UNC Highway Safety Research Center
ECHS Approval:	October 24, 2006
Host Agency:	NCDOT
Agency Contact:	Kevin Lacy
Notes:	Work has already been carried out by the Traffic Engineering and Safety Systems Branch, with input from senior members of the NC Senior Driver Safety Coalition, to develop improved signage and signage placement protocols to address this problem. The recommended signage has been approved by appropriate DOT staff and funds allocated to produce and install the signs at 10 locations over the coming months. This strategy would allow for continued pilot testing of the intervention and potential extension statewide.
Status:	In progress
Evaluation:	Awaiting sufficient data

Increase Public Awareness of Issues Affecting Older Drivers and Access to Resources for Maintaining Safe Mobility
Description:	This strategy would involve creating and marketing a web site for making important safety information and resources available to North Carolina's growing population of older drivers. The strategy would draw upon the expertise of partners of the State's Senior Driver Safety Coalition, including AARP, DHHS Division on Aging and Adult Services, DMV, AAA, NC Medical Society, and others.
Group Lead:	Jane Stutts - UNC Highway Safety Research Center
ECHS Approval:	January 16, 2007
Host Agency:	NC Division of Aging and Adult Services
Agency Contact:	Phyllis Bridgeman
Notes:
Status:	In progress
Evaluation:	Awaiting sufficient data