An increase in the percentage of senior (older) drivers using the American roads is expected. The driving needs of the senior drivers should be considered for safe and efficient design and operation of highways. This study was conducted to analyse the needs and concerns of the senior drivers in Illinois. It included a literature review, a statewide survey of senior drivers, and meetings with senior citizens focus groups. The study was designed to obtain insights into: (1) The specific changes in difficulty senior motorists have experienced in driving, (2) the elements of highway design and traffic operations whose importance to their driving has increased, and (3) the type and frequency of driving they are doing. A total of 664 senior drivers responded to a mail survey. Data were analysed at three levels: First, the response of all drivers to a given question was examined. Second, the differences among the responses from male and female drivers were checked. Third, the data were divided into four age groups: a) 66-68; b) 69-72; c) 73-76; and d) over 77 years of age. Trend and statistical analyses were conducted to determine whether the responses from one age group were significantly different from the others. Furthermore, focus group meetings, in rural and urban areas, were conducted to obtain more detailed information than the survey. This report discusses the results from the survey and the focus group meetings. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting