Senior service: older drivers at a crossroads

This article discusses the problems faced by older drivers at junctions in the USA and some strategies that are being adopted to improve the situation. Junction use involves the ability to process several pieces of information simultaneously with making decisions. A wide range of intersection design and operational techniques can help, including traffic signal timing, left-turn-only signals, and installation of roundabouts. Signal visibility can be improved by repositioning the signal and increasing lens size. Left turns (across oncoming traffic) can be simplified by separate turning lanes, longer signal clearance periods, U-turn manoeuvres, and reduction in number of traffic lanes. Preparing the driver in advance for an intersection can involve advance street name signs, advance traffic signal warnings, and pavement-marking messages. Physical limitations affecting driving ability in older drivers include changes in vision which make it difficult to assess the speed of oncoming traffic, reduced motion in the neck and shoulders and reduced grip which may cause problems in steering and gripping the wheel. For the covering abstract see ITRD E142624.