The increasing numbers and percentages of older drivers using the nation's highways in the decades ahead will pose many challenges to transportation engineers, who must ensure system safety while increasing operational efficiency. The 65 and older age group, numbered 33.5 million in the United States in 1995, will grow to more than 36 million by 2005, and will exceed 50 million by 2020, accounting for roughly one-fifth of the population of driving age in this country. In effect, if design is controlled by even 85th percentile performance requirements, the "design driver" of the early 21st century will be an individual over the age of 65. This report contains highway design information that will help accommodate the needs and capability of older road users. Specifically, it contains the recommendations sections of a larger report titled "Older Driver Highway Design Handbook" (FHWA-RD-97-135). The full report also includes extensive sections covering the rationale and supporting evidence for each recommendation. These recommendations do not constitute a new standard of required practice. When and where to apply each recommendation remains at your discretion as the expert practitioner. The recommendations provide guidance that is firmly grounded in an understanding of older drivers' needs and capabilities, and can significantly enhance the safety and ease of use of the highway system for older drivers in particular, and for the driving population as a whole. The recommendations concern four areas: (I) Intersections (at-grade); (II) Interchanges (grade separation); (III) Roadway Curvature and Passing Zones; and (IV) Construction/Work Zones. (Author/publisher)
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