The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #65026

Patti L. Yanochko, MPH, Center for Injury Prevention Policy and Practice, Graduate School of Public Heath, San Diego State University, 6505 Alvarado Road, Suite 208, San Diego, CA 92120, 619-594-1996, pyanochko@projects.sdsu.edu and David W. Lawrence, MPH, RN, CS, CSN National Injury Data Technical Assistance, Center for Injury Prevention Policy and Practice, San Diego State University, 6505 Alvarado Road, Suite 208, San Diego, CA 92120.

Each year, more than 27,000 Californians age 60 and over are injured and over 750 are killed in motor vehicle crashes. From 1990-2020, California’s senior population is expected to more than double in size, with those 85 and older representing the fastest growing segment of the population. This trend leads to a major increase in the number of older adults using California’s roadways. Improving safety for older drivers and pedestrians requires a collaborative, multi-disciplinary effort by leaders across public and private sectors. To this end the Center for Injury Prevention Policy and Practice at San Diego State University and the California Office of Traffic Safety convened the California Task Force on Older Adults and Traffic Safety. This group produced a set of recommendations to guide policy, programmatic, and funding decisions concerning older adult traffic safety in California. The Task Force recommendations may be summarized as: 1) institutionalize a system to prevent traffic-related injuries among older adults; 2) institutionalize effective and equitable driver assessment and licensing practices; 3) facilitate older adult risk identification and reduction practices; 4) improve the ability of health care and service providers to assess and reduce traffic safety risk; 5) establish safer roadway infrastructure and land use practices; 6) promote safer motor vehicle design; and 7) expand existing research. For each recommendation, goals, recommended partners and a timeframe for action have also been developed and are detailed in a recently released report.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to:
• Apply effective strategies to reduce injuries and fatalities to older drivers and pedestrians;
• Recognize the effectiveness of a comprehensive, coordinated, and collaborative approach to prevention activities related to reducing traffic-related injury and death among older adults.

Keywords: Elderly, Motor Vehicles

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.