Older Driver Safety
Survey of States on Their Implementation of Federal Highway Administration Recommendations and Guidelines (GAO-07-517SP), an E-supplement to GAO-07-413 Gao ID: GAO-07-517SP April 11, 2007This is the companion product to GAO-07-413. This document presents selected results of GAO's survey of the departments of transportation (DOT) in 50 states and the District of Columbia to obtain information on the extent to which states have implemented practices to make roads safer for older drivers. The questions in our survey were posed to obtain information on the extent to which states have incorporated Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recommendations to design roads with features to enhance safety for older drivers, reasons for state DOTs rejecting FHWA recommendations, the proportion of practitioners that have been trained in state DOTs to implement FHWA recommendations, and the extent to which states have developed plans and programmed projects for older driver safety. The survey was e-mailed to DOT officials in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, and we obtained a response from each of the survey recipients. We do not include responses for all survey questions. Specifically, this document does not include narrative responses that we received. Additionally, this document does not contain responses to questions 4 and 6 because many states did not answer these questions, and the responses we did receive were difficult to present consistently and accurately because some states supplemented their responses with qualifications or explanations. A more detailed discussion of our scope and methodology is contained in our report Older Driver Safety: Knowledge Sharing Should Help States Prepare for Increase in Older Driver Population, GAO-07-413 (Washington, D.C.: April 2007). We administered the survey from September 2006 through January 2007 in accordance with generally accepted government auditing standards.
GAO-07-517SP, Older Driver Safety: Survey of States on Their Implementation of Federal Highway Administration Recommendations and Guidelines (GAO-07-517SP), an E-supplement to GAO-07-413
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United States Government Accountability Office:
GAO:
Older Driver Safety: Survey of States on Their Implementation of
Federal Highway Administration Recommendations and Guidelines (GAO-07-
517SP), an Esupplement to GAO-07-413:
GAO-07-513SP:
Read the Full Report: Older Driver Safety: Knowledge Sharing Should
Help States Prepare for Increase in Older Driver Population (GAO-07-
413):
Background Information:
This document presents selected results of GAO‘s survey of the
departments of transportation (DOT) in 50 states and the District of
Columbia to obtain information on the extent to which states have
implemented practices to make roads safer for older drivers. The
questions in our survey were posed to obtain information on the extent
to which states have incorporated Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
recommendations to design roads with features to enhance safety for
older drivers, reasons for state DOTs rejecting FHWA recommendations,
the proportion of practitioners that have been trained in state DOTs to
implement FHWA recommendations, and the extent to which states have
developed plans and programmed projects for older driver safety. The
survey was e-mailed to DOT officials in all 50 states and the District
of Columbia, and we obtained a response from each of the survey
recipients. We do not include responses for all survey questions.
Specifically, this document does not include narrative responses that
we received. Additionally, this document does not contain responses to
questions 4 and 6 because many states did not answer these questions,
and the responses we did receive were difficult to present consistently
and accurately because some states supplemented their responses with
qualifications or explanations.
A more detailed discussion of our scope and methodology is contained in
our report Older Driver Safety: Knowledge Sharing Should Help States
Prepare for Increase in Older Driver Population, GAO-07-413
(Washington, D.C.: April 2007). We administered the survey from
September 2006 through January 2007 in accordance with generally
accepted government auditing standards.
Instructions for Viewing This E-Supplement:
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[End of section]
U.S. Government Accountability Office:
Questionnaire to Officials of State Departments of Transportation about
Older Driver Safety Programs:
ID#:
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), an agency of the
Congress, is studying older driver safety. As part of this study, we
are surveying officials of the department of transportation in each of
the 50 states and the District of Columbia.
To assist us, we ask that you complete and return this questionnaire to
us by e-mail or fax within the next 2 weeks. When responding, you may
consult with others who are also familiar with these topics, if you
think it will help you give a more accurate answer. The questionnaire
should take 45 minutes or less to complete. If you have any questions
about this questionnaire, please contact [the name, telephone number
and e-mail address of two GAO staff appeared here when the survey was
distributed].
Instructions:
To complete the questionnaire electronically:
1. Save this document to your computer‘s hard drive in Microsoft Word.
2. Open the document and fill in your answers. Then, again save the
completed document.
3. E-mail the completed questionnaire and any written documentation as
attachments to [the name, telephone number, and e-mail address of a GAO
staff appeared here when the survey was distributed].
Or you may fax a copy of the completed questionnaire and any
accompanying documentation to [the name and fax number of GAO appeared
here when the survey was distributed]
To Answer Questions Electronically:
You can check answer boxes by clicking on the shaded boxes with your
mouse. If you need to change your answer, click a second time to
uncheck the box. You can complete ’fill in the blank“ and ’narrative“
answers by clicking on the shaded area, then typing your answer.
Older Driver Programs:
1. Consider your state‘s current Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP)
designed for the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation
Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). Does this plan contain a
section(s) that is devoted solely to older road users‘ safety and
mobility?
No:
Yes:
2. Will representatives of each of the organizations listed below be
consulted on the safety and mobility of older drivers for your state‘s
current SHSP?
a. State Agency on the Aging:
Yes:
No:
Not Applicable:
b. Local agencies on the aging:
Yes:
No:
Not Applicable:
c. AAA (formerly American Automobile Association):
Yes:
No:
Not Applicable:
d. AARP (formerly American Association of Retired Persons):
Yes:
No:
Not Applicable:
e. American Society on Aging:
Yes:
No:
Not Applicable:
f. American Occupational Therapist Association (AOTA):
Yes:
No:
Not Applicable:
g. Emergency response agencies:
Yes:
No:
Not Applicable:
h. State medical association:
Yes:
No:
Not Applicable:
i. Other (Please specify):
Yes:
3. In its Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2007 State Transportation
Improvement Program (STIP), does your state identify any projects whose
main purpose is the improvement of older driver safety?
No: (If …no,“ go to question 5):
Yes:
4. Consider all of the projects whose main purpose is the improvement
of older driver safety identified in your state‘s FFY 2007 STIP. What
is the amount of funding allocated for those projects from each of the
sources listed below? (Enter amount):
None OR:
Federal Aid funds (excluding state and local matching funds) $:
State funds (including state and local matching funds) $:
Other (Please specify.) $:
5. In its FFY 2007 STIP, does your state identify any projects whose
main purpose is the improvement of all drivers‘ safety at
intersections?
No:(If …no,“ go to question 7):
Yes:
6. Consider all the projects identified in your state‘s FFY 2007 STIP
whose main purpose is the improvement of all drivers‘ safety at
intersections. What is the amount of funding allocated for those
projects from each of the sources listed below? (Enter amount. Please
exclude funds already entered in question 4):
None OR:
Federal Aid funds (excluding state and local matching funds) $:
State funds (including state and local matching funds) $:
Other (Please specify.) $:
7. Listed below are some methods states might use to work with local
governments to improve older driver safety and mobility. Does your
state use each of the methods listed below?
a. Offering training in road design and traffic control:
Yes:
No:
Not Applicable:
b. Holding sessions at statewide conferences:
Yes:
No:
Not Applicable:
c. Developing programs with Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs):
Yes:
No:
Not Applicable:
d. Developing programs with the Local Technical Assistance Program
(LTAP):
Yes:
No:
Not Applicable:
e. Other (Please specify):
Yes:
No:
Not Applicable:
Definition: Resources include staff hours, and funds spent on research,
professional services and construction contracts.
8. As of today, to what extent, if any, has your department invested
resources in each of the types of safety projects listed below?
To what extent, if any, has your state invested resources in each type
of project? (Check one in each row.)
a. Safety projects funded by SAFETEA-LU for high risk rural roads:
To little or no extent:
To some extent:
To a moderate extent:
To a great extent:
To a very great extent:
b. Projects to create safe routes to schools:
To little or no extent:
To some extent:
To a moderate extent:
To a great extent:
To a very great extent:
c. Safety projects at railway/highway intersections:
To little or no extent:
To some extent:
To a moderate extent:
To a great extent:
To a very great extent:
d. Work zone safety projects:
To little or no extent:
To some extent:
To a moderate extent:
To a great extent:
To a very great extent:
e. Older driver safety projects:
To little or no extent:
To some extent:
To a moderate extent:
To a great extent:
To a very great extent:
f. Projects related to the collection and analysis of crash data:
To little or no extent:
To some extent:
To a moderate extent:
To a great extent:
To a very great extent:
g. Roadside hazard elimination or mitigation projects:
To little or no extent:
To some extent:
To a moderate extent:
To a great extent:
To a very great extent:
h. Pedestrian and bicycle safety projects:
To little or no extent:
To some extent:
To a moderate extent:
To a great extent:
To a very great extent:
i. Road intersection safety projects:
To little or no extent:
To some extent:
To a moderate extent:
To a great extent:
To a very great extent:
j. Roadway departure projects:
To little or no extent:
To some extent:
To a moderate extent:
To a great extent:
To a very great extent:
k. Other (Please specify):
To little or no extent:
To some extent:
To a moderate extent:
To a great extent:
To a very great extent:
Highway Maintenance, Improvement or New Construction:
Definitions:
FHWA‘s Older Driver Handbook and Guides refers to the Federal Highway
Administration‘s (FHWA) ’Highway Design Handbook for Older Drivers and
Pedestrians (2001), FHWA‘s ’Guidelines and Recommendations to
Accommodate Older Drivers and Pedestrians (2001),“ and to FHWA‘s
’Pocket Guide to Improve Traffic Control and Mobility for Our Older
Population (2003).“
Recommendations are those associated with the design elements listed in
FHWA‘s Older Driver Handbook and Guides.
All of the definitions below tie the words used in this questionnaire
to terms referred to in FWHA‘s Older Driver Handbook and Guides.
Before is sometimes referred to as ’upstream of.“
Railroad crossings with no gates or crossing signals are sometimes
referred to as ’passive crossings.“
Reflective markers are sometimes referred to as ’retroreflective raised
pavement markers.“
Freeway entrance ramps with full width merge lanes for some distance
are sometimes referred to as ’parallel ramps.“
Where the land for the road cannot be acquired is sometimes referred to
as "restricted right of way."
Clarification: Questions that ask about implementing recommendations
apply only to those situations in which the recommendations are
warranted and feasible.
9. Listed below are some recommendations contained in FHWA‘s ’Highway
Design Handbook for Older Drivers and Pedestrians (2001).“ Has your
state ever implemented, or does it plan to implement, each of the
recommendations listed below? (Check one in each row.)
a. Use advance street name signs before major intersections:
Yes, implemented:
Yes, planning to implement:
Undecided:
No:
b. Use a series of post-mounted delineators on both sides of the road
on approaches to railroad crossings with no gates or crossing signals:
Yes, implemented:
Yes, planning to implement:
Undecided:
No:
c. Use black backplates on traffic signals on roads with operating
speeds of 40 mph or greater:
Yes, implemented:
Yes, planning to implement:
Undecided:
No:
d. Supplement standard centerline pavement markings with reflective
markers approaching and through curves with a radius of less than 3280
feet;
Yes, implemented:
Yes, planning to implement:
Undecided:
No:
e. Use freeway entrance ramps with full width merge lanes for some
distance, rather than tapered ramps that merge into the freeway sooner:
Yes, implemented:
Yes, planning to implement:
Undecided:
No:
f. Design or redesign roadway intersections so that the roads intersect
at an angle of at least 75 degrees where the land for the road cannot
be acquired:
Yes, implemented:
Yes, planning to implement:
Undecided:
No:
10. Has your state implemented, or does it plan to implement, each of
the practices listed below? (Check one in each row):
a. Use clear view fonts on signs on an experimental basis:
Yes, implemented:
Yes, planning to implement:
Undecided:
No:
b. Use 12 inch lenses on all new traffic signals:
Yes, implemented:
Yes, planning to implement:
Undecided:
No:
Construction and Traffic Flow Practices:
Definitions:
Larger letters refer to a height of at least 12 inches for upper-case
and 9 inches for lower-case letters.
Arrange opposing left turn lanes so that the driver‘s view is not
obstructed is sometimes referred to as ’positive offset of opposing
left-turn lanes to minimize the obstruction of sight distances.“
Reflective devices include retroreflectorized raised pavement markers,
object markers, delineators or signs.
More obvious is sometimes referred to as ’increased conspicuity.“
End of the ramp is sometimes referred to as the ’terminus“ of the ramp.
Channelizing devices include retroreflective traffic cones, tubular
markers, vertical striped panels, chevron panels, traffic drums or
delineators.
Evidence is obtained by analyzing crash data or through observations.
11. Listed below are some recommendations contained in FHWA‘s ’Pocket
Guide to Improve Traffic Control and Mobility for Our Older Population
(2003).“ Has your state ever implemented, or does it plan to implement,
each of the recommendations listed below? (Check one in each row):
a. Use overhead street name signs with larger letters at major
intersections in urban areas where advance street name signs are not
used:
Yes, implemented:
Yes, planning to implement:
Undecided:
No:
b. Arrange opposing left turn lanes so that the driver‘s view is not
obstructed:
Yes, implemented:
Yes, planning to implement:
Undecided:
No:
c. Use reflective devices on medians and island curbs to make them more
obvious at intersections:
Yes, implemented:
Yes, planning to implement:
Undecided:
No:
d. Use ’Lane Use Arrows“ or ’Long Wrong Way Arrows“ marked on the
pavement at the end of one way freeway ramps:
Yes, implemented:
Yes, planning to implement:
Undecided:
No:
e. Use overhead ’Intersection Lane Control Signs“ at intersections with
traffic signals where drivers might have trouble positioning themselves
in the correct lane:
Yes, implemented:
Yes, planning to implement:
Undecided:
No:
f. Use channelizing devices or temporary barriers to separate opposing
traffic in construction zones:
Yes, implemented:
Yes, planning to implement:
Undecided:
No:
g. Use dashed turn path pavement markings in intersections where
evidence suggests that older drivers may experience difficulties
negotiating turns:
Yes, implemented:
Yes, planning to implement:
Undecided:
No:
h. Use advance ’Stop Ahead,“ ’Yield Ahead“ and ’Signal Ahead“ signs on
approaches to intersections when existing signs or signals are not
visible soon enough to allow drivers sufficient distance to respond:
Yes, implemented:
Yes, planning to implement:
Undecided:
No:
Road Design Standards:
12. What proportion, if any, of your department‘s technical staff have
been trained in the guidance presented in FHWA‘s Older Driver Handbook
and Guides? (Check one):
All or almost all:
Most:
About half:
Some:
Few or none:
13. Consider all of the recommendations contained in FHWA‘s Older
Driver Handbook and Guides. About what proportion of those
recommendations, if any, are currently included in your state‘s highway
design guides? (Check one):
All: (If checked, go to question 16):
Almost all:
Most:
About half:
Some:
Few:
None:
14. Now consider all of the recommendations contained in FHWA‘s Older
Driver Handbook and Guides that your state has not included in its
design guides. About what proportion of those recommendations, if any,
is your state considering for inclusion in its design guides? (Check
one):
All:
Almost all:
Most:
About half:
Some:
Few:
None:
15. Listed below are some factors that might contribute to a state‘s
decision not to include some of the recommendations in FHWA‘s Older
Driver Handbook and Guides in its design guides. If a factor does not
exist in your state, check column 1. If a factor exists, how much did
that factor contribute to the decision not to include some of FHWA‘s
recommendations in your state‘s design guides? (Check one box in each
row):
a. Recommendations are viewed as minor:
Factor does not exist:
Factor exists and contributed to little or no extent:
Factor exists and contributed to some extent:
Factor exists and contributed to a moderate extent:
Factor exists and contributed to a great extent:
Factor exists and contributed to a very great extent:
Don‘t know:
b. Few standards are in place to support the recommendations:
Factor does not exist:
Factor exists and contributed to little or no extent:
Factor exists and contributed to some extent:
Factor exists and contributed to a moderate extent:
Factor exists and contributed to a great extent:
Factor exists and contributed to a very great extent:
Don‘t know:
c. Costs outweigh the benefits:
Factor does not exist:
Factor exists and contributed to little or no extent:
Factor exists and contributed to some extent:
Factor exists and contributed to a moderate extent:
Factor exists and contributed to a great extent:
Factor exists and contributed to a very great extent:
Don‘t know:
d. Lack of training about the recommendations at the state level:
Factor does not exist:
Factor exists and contributed to little or no extent:
Factor exists and contributed to some extent:
Factor exists and contributed to a moderate extent:
Factor exists and contributed to a great extent:
Factor exists and contributed to a very great extent:
Don‘t know:
e. Lack of training about the recommendations at the local level:
Factor does not exist:
Factor exists and contributed to little or no extent:
Factor exists and contributed to some extent:
Factor exists and contributed to a moderate extent:
Factor exists and contributed to a great extent:
Factor exists and contributed to a very great extent:
Don‘t know:
f. Resources not available for safety improvements:
Factor does not exist:
Factor exists and contributed to little or no extent:
Factor exists and contributed to some extent:
Factor exists and contributed to a moderate extent:
Factor exists and contributed to a great extent:
Factor exists and contributed to a very great extent:
Don‘t know:
g. Recommendations would have adverse effects on roadway capacity:
Factor does not exist:
Factor exists and contributed to little or no extent:
Factor exists and contributed to some extent:
Factor exists and contributed to a moderate extent:
Factor exists and contributed to a great extent:
Factor exists and contributed to a very great extent:
Don‘t know:
h. Engineers did not accept the recommendations:
Factor does not exist:
Factor exists and contributed to little or no extent:
Factor exists and contributed to some extent:
Factor exists and contributed to a moderate extent:
Factor exists and contributed to a great extent:
Factor exists and contributed to a very great extent:
Don‘t know:
i. Risk of litigation:
Factor does not exist:
Factor exists and contributed to little or no extent:
Factor exists and contributed to some extent:
Factor exists and contributed to a moderate extent:
Factor exists and contributed to a great extent:
Factor exists and contributed to a very great extent:
Don‘t know:
j. Recommendations have not yet been tested by the state:
Factor does not exist:
Factor exists and contributed to little or no extent:
Factor exists and contributed to some extent:
Factor exists and contributed to a moderate extent:
Factor exists and contributed to a great extent:
Factor exists and contributed to a very great extent:
Don‘t know:
k. State views the recommendations as unfunded mandates:
Factor does not exist:
Factor exists and contributed to little or no extent:
Factor exists and contributed to some extent:
Factor exists and contributed to a moderate extent:
Factor exists and contributed to a great extent:
Factor exists and contributed to a very great extent:
Don‘t know:
l. Other (Please specify):
Factor exists and contributed to some extent:
Factor exists and contributed to a moderate extent:
Factor exists and contributed to a great extent:
Factor exists and contributed to a very great extent:
16. Who is the main person completing this questionnaire?
Name:
Title:
Telephone Number:
E-mail address:
17. Would you enter below any other comments you might have about the
topics mentioned in this questionnaire?
Thank you very much for completing this questionnaire.
[End of sample questionnaire]
Results of Survey:
1. Consider your state's current Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP)
designed for the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation
Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU).
Does this plan contain a section(s) that is devoted solely to older
road users' safety and mobility?
No: 23;
Yes: 27;
Number of respondents: 50.
2. Will representatives of each of the organizations listed below be
consulted on the safety and mobility of older drivers for your state's
current SHSP?
a. State Agency on the Aging:
Yes: 21;
No: 16;
Not Applicable: 9;
Number of respondents: 46.
2. Will representatives of each of the organizations listed below be
consulted on the safety and mobility of older drivers for your state's
current SHSP?
b. Local agencies on the aging:
Yes: 18;
No: 19;
Not Applicable: 8;
Number of respondents: 45.
2. Will representatives of each of the organizations listed below be
consulted on the safety and mobility of older drivers for your state's
current SHSP?
c. AAA (formerly American Automobile Association):
Yes: 30;
No: 12;
Not Applicable: 5;
Number of respondents: 47.
2. Will representatives of each of the organizations listed below be
consulted on the safety and mobility of older drivers for your state's
current SHSP?
d. AARP (formerly American Association of Retired Persons):
Yes: 26;
No: 14;
Not Applicable: 6;
Number of respondents: 46.
2. Will representatives of each of the organizations listed below be
consulted on the safety and mobility of older drivers for your state's
current SHSP?
e. American Society on Aging:
Yes: 3;
No: 30;
Not Applicable: 6;
Number of respondents: 39.
2. Will representatives of each of the organizations listed below be
consulted on the safety and mobility of older drivers for your state's
current SHSP?
f. American Occupational Therapist Association (AOTA):
Yes: 4;
No: 30;
Not Applicable: 7;
Number of respondents: 41.
2. Will representatives of each of the organizations listed below be
consulted on the safety and mobility of older drivers for your state's
current SHSP?
g. Emergency response agencies:
Yes: 35;
No: 6;
Not Applicable: 5;
Number of respondents: 46.
2. Will representatives of each of the organizations listed below be
consulted on the safety and mobility of older drivers for your state's
current SHSP?
h. State medical association:
Yes: 26;
No: 12;
Not Applicable: 7;
Number of respondents: 45.
2. Will representatives of each of the organizations listed below be
consulted on the safety and mobility of older drivers for your state's
current SHSP?
i. Other (Please specify):
Yes: 16;
No: 0;
Not Applicable: 0;
Number of respondents: 16.
3. In its Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2007 State Transportation
Improvement Program (STIP), does your state identify any projects whose
main purpose is the improvement of older driver safety?
No: 47;
Yes: 4;
Number of respondents: 51.
5. In its FFY 2007 STIP, does your state identify any projects whose
main purpose is the improvement of all drivers' safety at
intersections?
No: 2;
Yes: 49;
Number of respondents: 51.
7. Listed below are some methods states might use to work with local
governments to improve older driver safety and mobility. Does your
state use each of the methods listed below?
a. Offering training in road design and traffic control:
Yes: 32;
No: 13;
Not Applicable: 4;
Number of respondents: 49.
7. Listed below are some methods states might use to work with local
governments to improve older driver safety and mobility. Does your
state use each of the methods listed below?
b. Holding sessions at statewide conferences:
Yes: 38;
No: 9;
Not Applicable: 3;
Number of respondents: 50.
7. Listed below are some methods states might use to work with local
governments to improve older driver safety and mobility. Does your
state use each of the methods listed below?
c. Developing programs with Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs):
Yes: 21;
No: 23;
Not Applicable: 2;
Number of respondents: 46.
7. Listed below are some methods states might use to work with local
governments to improve older driver safety and mobility. Does your
state use each of the methods listed below?
d. Developing programs with the Local Technical Assistance Program
(LTAP):
Yes: 29;
No: 17;
Not Applicable: 2;
Number of respondents: 48.
7. Listed below are some methods states might use to work with local
governments to improve older driver safety and mobility.
Does your state use each of the methods listed below?
e. Other (Please specify):
Yes: 8;
No: 0;
Not Applicable: 0;
Number of respondents: 8.
8. As of today, to what extent, if any, has your department invested
resources in each of the types of safety projects listed below?
a. Safety projects funded by SAFETEA-LU for high risk rural roads:
To little or no extent: 15;
To some extent: 12;
To a moderate extent: 12;
To a great extent: 7;
To a very great extent: 4;
Number of respondents: 50.
8. As of today, to what extent, if any, has your department invested
resources in each of the types of safety projects listed below?
b. Projects to create safe routes to schools:
To little or no extent: 6;
To some extent: 17;
To a moderate extent: 16;
To a great extent: 7;
To a very great extent: 4;
Number of respondents: 50.
8. As of today, to what extent, if any, has your department invested
resources in each of the types of safety projects listed below?
c. Safety projects at railway/highway intersections:
To little or no extent: 2;
To some extent: 0;
To a moderate extent: 14;
To a great extent: 26;
To a very great extent: 9;
Number of respondents: 51.
8. As of today, to what extent, if any, has your department invested
resources in each of the types of safety projects listed below?
d. Work zone safety projects:
To little or no extent: 5;
To some extent: 5;
To a moderate extent: 17;
To a great extent: 16;
To a very great extent: 8;
Number of respondents: 51.
8. As of today, to what extent, if any, has your department invested
resources in each of the types of safety projects listed below?
e. Older driver safety projects:
To little or no extent: 18;
To some extent: 22;
To a moderate extent: 8;
To a great extent: 1;
To a very great extent: 1;
Number of respondents: 50.
8. As of today, to what extent, if any, has your department invested
resources in each of the types of safety projects listed below?
f. Projects related to the collection and analysis of crash data:
To little or no extent: 1;
To some extent: 2;
To a moderate extent: 12;
To a great extent: 23;
To a very great extent: 12;
Number of respondents: 50.
8. As of today, to what extent, if any, has your department invested
resources in each of the types of safety projects listed below?
g. Roadside hazard elimination or mitigation projects:
To little or no extent: 0;
To some extent: 0;
To a moderate extent: 15;
To a great extent: 28;
To a very great extent: 8;
Number of respondents: 51.
8. As of today, to what extent, if any, has your department invested
resources in each of the types of safety projects listed below?
h. Pedestrian and bicycle safety projects:
To little or no extent: 2;
To some extent: 15;
To a moderate extent: 26;
To a great extent: 6;
To a very great extent: 1;
Number of respondents: 50.
8. As of today, to what extent, if any, has your department invested
resources in each of the types of safety projects listed below?
i. Road intersection safety projects:
To little or no extent: 0;
To some extent: 0;
To a moderate extent: 15;
To a great extent: 24;
To a very great extent: 12;
Number of respondents: 51.
8. As of today, to what extent, if any, has your department invested
resources in each of the types of safety projects listed below?
j. Roadway departure projects:
To little or no extent: 0;
To some extent: 6;
To a moderate extent: 10;
To a great extent: 25;
To a very great extent: 10;
Number of respondents: 51.
8. As of today, to what extent, if any, has your department invested
resources in each of the types of safety projects listed below?
k. Other (Please specify):
To little or no extent: 0;
To some extent: 0;
To a moderate extent: 2;
To a great extent: 4;
To a very great extent: 2;
Number of respondents: 8.
9. Listed below are some recommendations contained in FHWA's "Highway
Design Handbook for Older Drivers and Pedestrians (2001)." Has your
state ever implemented, or does it plan to implement, each of the
recommendations listed below?
a. Use advance street name signs before major intersections:
Yes, implemented: 30;
Yes, planning to implement: 4;
Undecided: 13;
No: 4;
Number of respondents: 51.
9. Listed below are some recommendations contained in FHWA's "Highway
Design Handbook for Older Drivers and Pedestrians (2001)." Has your
state ever implemented, or does it plan to implement, each of the
recommendations listed below?
b. Use a series of post-mounted delineators on both sides of the road
on approaches to railroad crossings with no gates or crossing signals:
Yes, implemented: 4;
Yes, planning to implement: 2;
Undecided: 19;
No: 21;
Number of respondents: 46.
9. Listed below are some recommendations contained in FHWA's "Highway
Design Handbook for Older Drivers and Pedestrians (2001)." Has your
state ever implemented, or does it plan to implement, each of the
recommendations listed below?
c. Use black backplates on traffic signals on roads with operating
speeds of 40 mph or greater:
Yes, implemented: 36;
Yes, planning to implement: 3;
Undecided: 6;
No: 5;
Number of respondents: 50.
9. Listed below are some recommendations contained in FHWA's "Highway
Design Handbook for Older Drivers and Pedestrians (2001)." Has your
state ever implemented, or does it plan to implement, each of the
recommendations listed below?
d. Supplement standard centerline pavement markings with reflective
markers approaching and through curves with a radius of less than 3280
feet:
Yes, implemented: 17;
Yes, planning to implement: 0;
Undecided: 13;
No: 20;
Number of respondents: 40.
9. Listed below are some recommendations contained in FHWA's "Highway
Design Handbook for Older Drivers and Pedestrians (2001)." Has your
state ever implemented, or does it plan to implement, each of the
recommendations listed below?
e. Use freeway entrance ramps with full width merge lanes for some
distance, rather than tapered ramps that merge into the freeway sooner:
Yes, implemented: 29;
Yes, planning to implement: 3;
Undecided: 10;
No: 8;
Number of respondents: 50.
9. Listed below are some recommendations contained in FHWA's "Highway
Design Handbook for Older Drivers and Pedestrians (2001)." Has your
state ever implemented, or does it plan to implement, each of the
recommendations listed below?
f. Design or redesign roadway intersections so that the roads intersect
at an angle of at least 75 degrees where the land for the road cannot
be acquired:
Yes, implemented: 28;
Yes, planning to implement: 4;
Undecided: 10;
No: 7;
Number of respondents: 49.
10. Has your state implemented, or does it plan to implement, each of
the practices listed below?
a. Use clear view fonts on signs on an experimental basis:
Yes, implemented: 17;
Yes, planning to implement: 13;
Undecided: 13;
No: 7;
Number of respondents: 50.
10. Has your state implemented, or does it plan to implement, each of
the practices listed below?
b. Use 12 inch lenses on all new traffic signals:
Yes, implemented: 48;
Yes, planning to implement: 0;
Undecided: 2;
No: 1;
Number of respondents: 51.
11. Listed below are some recommendations contained in FHWA's "Pocket
Guide to Improve Traffic Control and Mobility for Our Older Population
(2003)." Has your state ever implemented, or does it plan to implement,
each of the recommendations listed below?
a. Use overhead street name signs with larger letters at major
intersections in urban areas where advance street name signs are not
used:
Yes, implemented: 30;
Yes, planning to implement: 3;
Undecided: 11;
No: 7;
Number of respondents: 51.
11. Listed below are some recommendations contained in FHWA's "Pocket
Guide to Improve Traffic Control and Mobility for Our Older Population
(2003)." Has your state ever implemented, or does it plan to implement,
each of the recommendations listed below?
b. Arrange opposing left turn lanes so that the driver's view is not
obstructed:
Yes, implemented: 33;
Yes, planning to implement: 6;
Undecided: 9;
No: 2;
Number of respondents: 50.
11. Listed below are some recommendations contained in FHWA's "Pocket
Guide to Improve Traffic Control and Mobility for Our Older Population
(2003)." Has your state ever implemented, or does it plan to implement,
each of the recommendations listed below?
c. Use reflective devices on medians and island curbs to make them more
obvious at intersections:
Yes, implemented: 39;
Yes, planning to implement: 4;
Undecided: 5;
No: 2;
Number of respondents: 50.
11. Listed below are some recommendations contained in FHWA's "Pocket
Guide to Improve Traffic Control and Mobility for Our Older Population
(2003)." Has your state ever implemented, or does it plan to implement,
each of the recommendations listed below?
d. Use "Lane Use Arrows" or "Long Wrong Way Arrows" marked on the
pavement at the end of one way freeway ramps:
Yes, implemented: 29;
Yes, planning to implement: 1;
Undecided: 12;
No: 9;
Number of respondents: 51.
11. Listed below are some recommendations contained in FHWA's "Pocket
Guide to Improve Traffic Control and Mobility for Our Older Population
(2003)." Has your state ever implemented, or does it plan to implement,
each of the recommendations listed below?
e. Use overhead "Intersection Lane Control Signs" at intersections with
traffic signals where drivers might have trouble positioning themselves
in the correct lane:
Yes, implemented: 40;
Yes, planning to implement: 2;
Undecided: 7;
No: 2;
Number of respondents: 51.
11. Listed below are some recommendations contained in FHWA's "Pocket
Guide to Improve Traffic Control and Mobility for Our Older Population
(2003)." Has your state ever implemented, or does it plan to implement,
each of the recommendations listed below?
f. Use channelizing devices or temporary barriers to separate opposing
traffic in construction zones:
Yes, implemented: 48;
Yes, planning to implement: 1;
Undecided: 1;
No: 1;
Number of respondents: 51.
11. Listed below are some recommendations contained in FHWA's "Pocket
Guide to Improve Traffic Control and Mobility for Our Older Population
(2003)." Has your state ever implemented, or does it plan to implement,
each of the recommendations listed below?
g. Use dashed turn path pavement markings in intersections where
evidence suggests that older drivers may experience difficulties
negotiating turns:
Yes, implemented: 41;
Yes, planning to implement: 1;
Undecided: 4;
No: 4;
Number of respondents: 50.
11. Listed below are some recommendations contained in FHWA's "Pocket
Guide to Improve Traffic Control and Mobility for Our Older Population
(2003)." Has your state ever implemented, or does it plan to implement,
each of the recommendations listed below?
h. Use advance "Stop Ahead," "Yield Ahead" And "Signal Ahead" signs on
approaches to intersections when existing signs or signals are not
visible soon enough to allow drivers sufficient distance to respond:
Yes, implemented: 51;
Yes, planning to implement: 0;
Undecided: 0;
No: 0;
Number of respondents: 51.
12. What proportion, if any, of your department's technical staff have
been trained in the guidance presented in FHWA's Older Driver Handbook
and Guides?
All or almost all: 2;
Most: 7;
About half: 3;
Some: 32;
Few or none: 7;
Number of respondents: 51.
13. Consider all of the recommendations contained in FHWA's Older
Driver Handbook and Guides. About what proportion of those
recommendations, if any, are currently included in your state's highway
design guides?
All: 1;
Almost all: 4;
Most: 10;
About half: 9;
Some: 20;
Few: 5;
None: 1;
Number of respondents: 50.
14. Now consider all of the recommendations contained in FHWA's Older
Driver Handbook and Guides that your state has not included in its
design guides. About what proportion of those recommendations, if any,
is your state considering for inclusion in its design guides?
All: 0;
Almost all: 2;
Most: 10;
About half: 3;
Some: 24;
Few: 8;
None: 2;
Number of respondents: 49.
15. Listed below are some factors that might contribute to a state's
decision not to include some of the recommendations in FHWA's Older
Driver Handbook and Guides in its design guides. If a factor does not
exist in your state, check column 1. If a factor exists, how much did
that factor contribute to the decision not to include some of FHWA's
recommendations in your state's design guides?
a. Recommendations are viewed as minor:
Factor does not exist: 16;
To little or no extent: 12;
To some extent: 13;
To a moderate extent: 3;
To a great extent: 0;
To a very great extent: 0;
Don't know: 5;
Number of respondents: 49.
15. Listed below are some factors that might contribute to a state's
decision not to include some of the recommendations in FHWA's Older
Driver Handbook and Guides in its design guides. If a factor does not
exist in your state, check column 1. If a factor exists, how much did
that factor contribute to the decision not to include some of FHWA's
recommendations in your state's design guides?
b. Few standards are in place to support the recommendations:
Factor does not exist: 8;
To little or no extent: 9;
To some extent: 17;
To a moderate extent: 4;
To a great extent: 4;
To a very great extent: 2;
Don't know: 5;
Number of respondents: 49.
15. Listed below are some factors that might contribute to a state's
decision not to include some of the recommendations in FHWA's Older
Driver Handbook and Guides in its design guides. If a factor does not
exist in your state, check column 1. If a factor exists, how much did
that factor contribute to the decision not to include some of FHWA's
recommendations in your state's design guides?
c. Costs outweigh the benefits:
Factor does not exist: 3;
To little or no extent: 9;
To some extent: 6;
To a moderate extent: 12;
To a great extent: 10;
To a very great extent: 2;
Don't know: 6;
Number of respondents: 48.
15. Listed below are some factors that might contribute to a state's
decision not to include some of the recommendations in FHWA's Older
Driver Handbook and Guides in its design guides. If a factor does not
exist in your state, check column 1. If a factor exists, how much did
that factor contribute to the decision not to include some of FHWA's
recommendations in your state's design guides?
d. Lack of training about the recommendations at the state level:
Factor does not exist: 6;
To little or no extent: 14;
To some extent: 12;
To a moderate extent: 8;
To a great extent: 4;
To a very great extent: 1;
Don't know: 3;
Number of respondents: 48.
15. Listed below are some factors that might contribute to a state's
decision not to include some of the recommendations in FHWA's Older
Driver Handbook and Guides in its design guides. If a factor does not
exist in your state, check column 1. If a factor exists, how much did
that factor contribute to the decision not to include some of FHWA's
recommendations in your state's design guides?
e. Lack of training about the recommendations at the local level:
Factor does not exist: 5;
To little or no extent: 10;
To some extent: 12;
To a moderate extent: 5;
To a great extent: 3;
To a very great extent: 7;
Don't know: 6;
Number of respondents: 48.
15. Listed below are some factors that might contribute to a state's
decision not to include some of the recommendations in FHWA's Older
Driver Handbook and Guides in its design guides. If a factor does not
exist in your state, check column 1. If a factor exists, how much did
that factor contribute to the decision not to include some of FHWA's
recommendations in your state's design guides?
f. Resources not available for safety improvements:
Factor does not exist: 8;
To little or no extent: 3;
To some extent: 11;
To a moderate extent: 10;
To a great extent: 8;
To a very great extent: 3;
Don't know: 3;
Number of respondents: 46.
15. Listed below are some factors that might contribute to a state's
decision not to include some of the recommendations in FHWA's Older
Driver Handbook and Guides in its design guides. If a factor does not
exist in your state, check column 1. If a factor exists, how much did
that factor contribute to the decision not to include some of FHWA's
recommendations in your state's design guides?
g. Recommendations would have adverse effects on roadway capacity:
Factor does not exist: 12;
To little or no extent: 15;
To some extent: 14;
To a moderate extent: 3;
To a great extent: 0;
To a very great extent: 0;
Don't know: 3;
Number of respondents: 47.
15. Listed below are some factors that might contribute to a state's
decision not to include some of the recommendations in FHWA's Older
Driver Handbook and Guides in its design guides. If a factor does not
exist in your state, check column 1. If a factor exists, how much did
that factor contribute to the decision not to include some of FHWA's
recommendations in your state's design guides?
h. Engineers did not accept the recommendations:
Factor does not exist: 13;
To little or no extent: 16;
To some extent: 13;
To a moderate extent: 2;
To a great extent: 0;
To a very great extent: 1;
Don't know: 3;
Number of respondents: 48.
15. Listed below are some factors that might contribute to a state's
decision not to include some of the recommendations in FHWA's Older
Driver Handbook and Guides in its design guides. If a factor does not
exist in your state, check column 1. If a factor exists, how much did
that factor contribute to the decision not to include some of FHWA's
recommendations in your state's design guides?
i. Risk of litigation:
Factor does not exist: 14;
To little or no extent: 18;
To some extent: 7;
To a moderate extent: 4;
To a great extent: 0;
To a very great extent: 0;
Don't know: 5;
Number of respondents: 48.
15. Listed below are some factors that might contribute to a state's
decision not to include some of the recommendations in FHWA's Older
Driver Handbook and Guides in its design guides. If a factor does not
exist in your state, check column 1. If a factor exists, how much did
that factor contribute to the decision not to include some of FHWA's
recommendations in your state's design guides?
j. Recommendations have not yet been tested by the state:
Factor does not exist: 6;
To little or no extent: 8;
To some extent: 18;
To a moderate extent: 7;
To a great extent: 6;
To a very great extent: 0;
Don't know: 2;
Number of respondents: 47.
15. Listed below are some factors that might contribute to a state's
decision not to include some of the recommendations in FHWA's Older
Driver Handbook and Guides in its design guides. If a factor does not
exist in your state, check column 1. If a factor exists, how much did
that factor contribute to the decision not to include some of FHWA's
recommendations in your state's design guides?
k. State views the recommendations as unfunded mandates:
Factor does not exist: 18;
To little or no extent: 15;
To some extent: 4;
To a moderate extent: 4;
To a great extent: 1;
To a very great extent: 2;
Don't know: 3;
Number of respondents: 47.
15. Listed below are some factors that might contribute to a state's
decision not to include some of the recommendations in FHWA's Older
Driver Handbook and Guides in its design guides. If a factor does not
exist in your state, check column 1. If a factor exists, how much did
that factor contribute to the decision not to include some of FHWA's
recommendations in your state's design guides?
l. Other (Please specify):
Factor does not exist: 0;
To little or no extent: 0;
To some extent: 1;
To a moderate extent: 0;
To a great extent: 0;
To a very great extent: 2;
Don't know: 0;
Number of respondents: 3.
[End of survey results]
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