1. White House Conference on Aging Listening Session
January 8, Washington, DC
A Senior Friendly Transportation Environment:
The Consumer Perspective
T. Bella Dinh-Zarr, PhD, MPH National Director, Traffic Safety Policy AAA (American Automobile Association)

2. Senior Mobility We All Know the Facts
People 65+ are the fastest growing age group in the United States.
By 2020, there will be more than 40 million licensed drivers 65+
Seniors made up 12% of all traffic fatalities in 2002

3. Senior Mobility: A Quality of Life Issue
Seniors want:
To extend their safe driving years
To have options for continued mobility when they can no longer drive

4. Seniors’ Top Three Concerns
Age 55 and Age 65 and Issue Older Older Access to affordable health care 41% %
Financial security 29% %
Ability to drive or otherwise get around 25% %
Affordable housing 16% %
Senior Mobility Omnibus Survey conducted by Opinion Research Corporation for AAA Market Research, December 2004.

5. (training, screening, supplemental transportation)
SOLUTIONS – 3 elements of traffic safety
Driver
(training, screening, supplemental transportation)
Road
(senior-friendly
road design)
Vehicle
(better crash protection,
seat belt design, add-ons)

6. Action Needed
Agenda for White House Conference on Aging must elevate attention to issues associated with transportation and mobility.
Designation as a principal category allows broad-range discussion of all elements of the mobility experience.

7. Senior Mobility: A Quality of Life Issue
The ability to drive as long as safely possible and continued mobility thereafter is tied to an individual’s:
Confidence
Independence
Overall happiness.
The White House Conference on Aging can facilitate the objective.

8. Collaborative Effort
Together we can create safer transportation options for seniors that will:
Extend their safe driving years
Ensure options for continued mobility when they can no longer drive
A reality which ensures
lifelong safe mobility.

9. White Conference on Aging Listening Session
January 8, Washington, DC
Thank you.
T. Bella Dinh-Zarr, PhD, MPH
AAA National Office, Washington, DC
(202)