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AARP, ATSSA Endorse Altmire's Older Driver Safety Bill

WASHINGTON, July 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AARP and the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) strongly endorse H.R. 3355, the Older Driver and Pedestrian Safety and Roadway Enhancement Act of 2009, introduced yesterday by Rep. Jason Altmire (D-Penn.).

"It is estimated that by 2025, one in four drivers will be 65 or older," U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire (Penn.-04) said. "Given this fact, we need to make sure we are taking older drivers' needs into account in our transportation planning. By making improvements that will make roadway hazards more visible and signs easier to read, we can make our roads safer for drivers of all ages."

David Certner, AARP's Legislative Policy Director, applauded both the new bill and Rep. Altmire's leadership. "Congressman Altmire deserves credit not only for introducing this bill," he said, "but also for having the foresight to recognize that making roads safer for older drivers will make them safer for everyone. Older drivers and teen drivers, their passengers and those who care about them will benefit from investing in safer roads that meet improved standards. As Congress considers updating America's transportation system, we urge them to also choose to put people and their safety first."

A recent report from AARP's Public Policy Institute found that two-thirds of transportation planners and engineers have yet to begin addressing the needs of older Americans in their street planning; yet by 2025, 64 million people will be over the age of 65, and by 2030 a quarter of all U.S. drivers will be over the age of 65.

"As a Representative from Pennsylvania where the older driver population is above the national average, Rep. Altmire fully understands the critical need to ensure that drivers over 65 years old are as safe as possible on the road," said ATSSA President and CEO Roger Wentz.

The Older Driver and Pedestrian Safety and Roadway Enhancement Act of 2009 invests $500 million annually in roadway safety infrastructure, creates a position of Special Assistant for Older Adult Safety and Mobility in the Office of the Secretary of Transportation, and improves federal standards for roadway signs and road markings to accommodate the vision needs of an older population.

On the web:

www.ATSSA.com

www.AARP.org

    Contact: Laura Dennis (ATSSA)(202) 454-5246
    laura.dennis@atssa.com

    Drew Nannis (AARP)
    (202) 434-2560
    anannis@aarp.org

SOURCE American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA)