The work of the AA Foundation for Road Safety Research has encompassed several studies of older road users. Particular attention has been paid to older drivers, the starting point for which was a comprehensive survey of their needs for mobility, problems they encounter, concerns about their driving ability, and attitudes towards modifying or giving up driving. As a result of consultation and discussion of research findings from this and other studies, recommendations have been put forward through a joint working group of the Medical Commission on Accident Prevention and the Automobile Association for Helping the Older Driver. These recommendations relate to road and vehicle design and use, and advice on changing driving habits and planning for giving up driving. Some unresolved problems have also been identified. More recently, problems perceived by older pedestrians have been the subject of study, building on existing knowledge to detail specific risk situations and how to ease the conflicts between pedestrians and traffic. The AA Foundation's forward research programme is committed to advancing the understanding of how and why older people are injured in the road environment, and seeking ways of helping them to travel more safely consistent with maintaining mobility. (A)
Abstract