Older drivers (over 65 years) are currently overrepresented in severe injury outcome crashes due to the increases in functional disabilities that occur with age. Particular roadway designs may contribute to these driving deficits in elderly people. This paper reviews the international literature and identifies four broad site types as being the most problematic for older drivers. These are at-grade intersections, interchanges (grade separation), roadway curvature and passing zones, and construction/work zones. The applicability to Australia of modifications to assist older drivers at these sites was discussed at a one-day seminar attended by experts in highway design. Investigation of crash sites in Tasmania with multiple accidents involving older drivers found all 12 sites were at-grade intersections. However, most of the modifications were not relevant to these sites. It is expected that investigation of a wider range of crash sites throughout Australia will reveal a wider applicability of these modifications. (A)
Samenvatting