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Avoid A Collision
Are you a distracted driver? Do you speed? Are you at your best when you get behind the wheel? To many of us, how to drive more safely is not something we even think about when we turn the key in our ignition. Read these common sense tips to help you avoid a collision.… more
Breathe Right In Your Car
Is the air inside your car more polluted than the car outside your car? You and your passengers may be subjected to mold, mildew, and other contaminants in your car. Learn how your cabin air filter can keep you breathing easier.… more
Car Warranty Scams Target Seniors
No one enjoys paying for an unexpected car repair bill, so buying an extended warranty might sound like a good idea. But beware of mailings that indicate your car warranty is about to expire—it may be a high-pressure scam targeting seniors.… more
Carjacking On The Rise
Carjacking can happen anywhere, not just in “high crime” neighborhoods, and is just as likely to occur during the day as at night. Know what to do if you're attacked by a carjacker.… more
Distracted Driving: When Every Second Counts
All of us have been guilty of driving while distracted. Learn how to take precautions before you get into your car and minimize your chances of getting in a car accident.… more
Don't Wear Down Your Safety
Did you know that making sure your tires have the appropriate air pressure may help you avoid a fatal accident? Tires are one of the most under appreciated safety features of our cars. Make sure you know how taking care of your tires can keep you safe.… more
Getting The Most Out of Your Airbags
Unless you've been in an accident where your airbags have been deployed, you may not really appreciate the way that this safety device protects you and your passengers. Learn how to maintain your airbags for maximum effectiveness.… more
Oprah Winfrey Says No to Distracted Driving
Oprah Winfrey is focused on getting Americans to sign a "No Phone Zone" pledge.… more
Safe Cell Phone Use
When is the last time you got in your car and didn't use your cell phone? Cell phones have become a must-have in today's society, but just how safe is driving while using a cell phone? Learn some common-sense tips to keep you and others safer on the road.… more
Study Reveals Driving "Danger Times"
Is it safer to head out to the grocery store in the evening or on the weekend? Do you know when you should be especially on guard when driving? Find out the times of the week when the fewest and most collisions occur on our nation's highways.… more
Transportation Through the Eyes of Seniors
Courtesy of SeniorDrivers.org
In early 2000, the Beverly Foundation completed a senior transportation focus group project in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. The purpose of the effort was to develop opinion data on transportation problems, concerns, and solutions and on general transportation issues. The project provided what might be considered a “snapshot” of the problems seniors (and their caregivers) have in getting around in their communities, the needs for transportation services, and senior transportation alternatives in our country.
The project included 22 focus groups in 3 states (Florida, Michigan, and California). Three participant groups included older adults who were considered “transportation rich,” older adults who were considered “transportation deprived” and adults ranging in age from 35 to 70 who were caregivers and “concerned about the transportation” of one or several older adults. Each focus group process required a two-hour time frame in which participants were asked to respond to and comment on a set of oral questions and a survey instrument consisting of 20 written questions.
What emerged from these discussions was a series of themes about difficulties older adults face as drivers, as non-drivers, and as users of community transportation services. Importantly, solutions were identified that encompass the formal responsibilities of the government and the community, the informal roles of family and friends, the relevance of user friendly services, the importance of information and supportive assistance, and the relationship of transportation to quality of life.
Three very important results of the project reinforce and expand previous research findings and anecdotal reports:
- Older adults continue driving as long as possible because they are unaware of, or do not believe they have, alternative means of transportation!
- Older adults frequently limit their driving or stop driving altogether because of functional difficulties!
- By the time they stop driving, many older adults are so disabled that they are unable to use most public and para-transit systems!
- Next to health, transportation is the most important issue for seniors!
Major themes which resulted from the study identified a variety of problems associated with the importance of the car, the difficulties seniors faced in limiting their driving or stopping to drive all together, and the need for alternatives.
Purpose of Transportation: “I want to be able to get to essential places and to the fun things.”
Attachment to the Automobile: “Can’t see, can’t hear, can’t walk, but I have my car.”
Importance of Driving: “My wheels are my independence.”
Beginning to Limit Driving: “Two years before I stopped completely, I stopped driving at night.”
Fear of Not Driving: “If I didn’t drive, I would miss living.”
Incentives to Stop Driving: “I would stop driving if we had an Elder Bus.”
The Impact of Stopping to Drive: “It is the most terrible thing that has ever happened to me.”
Availability of Public Transportation: “It’s more than availability.”
Dependence on Others: “I have difficulty getting rides. Friends and relatives are forgetful.”
Availability of Other Options: “Thank goodness for volunteers.”
It was not surprising that the need for alternative forms of transportation was identified by participants. However, because of the wide variability of needs, it was clear that no single system could address everyone’s requirements. Interestingly, in almost every focus group, participants identified one or more transportation programs that had been developed to fill in the gaps when seniors could no longer drive, could not depend on family members to transport them, or could not access traditional transportation options. They also were very clear about the ways those options could best serve their needs.
“I have limited sight and don’t drive, so I depend on volunteer drivers.”
“I want something that comes to my door.”
“You shouldn’t have to wait for it a long time.”
“We need shuttles or car pools to take you to where you can pick up your bus.”
“I want to be able to get to essential places and to the fun things.”
“I want door-to-door service that is safe.”
“We need people from the community who can get paid to drive others.”
Emerging from this study was an understanding of what seniors and their concerned family and friends believe are their major transportation problems as well as effective solutions to many of those problems. The serendipitous identification of community-based transportation options resulted in the coinage of the term STPs (Supplemental Transportation Programs for Seniors) and the STAR Search program which to date has identified and indexed more than 300 STPs in the United States.
For more information, go to www.SeniorDrivers.org.
