RD175 - Annual Progress Report of the Department of Transportation on the Effect of the Aging Population on State Agencies


Executive Summary:
VDOT serves all residents of Virginia through their direct use of the transportation system and through their reliance on others that use the system (e.g. bus lines, police, emergency medical and fire department vehicles). Based on U.S. Census estimated population data, Virginia's senior citizen population is increasing. Facilitating safe and efficient transportation for all motorists is VDOT's mission. VDOT does not generally provide services directly to individuals unless requested to do so; such requests would include pothole, drainage and signage repairs etc. VDOT addresses issues related to elderly drivers by utilizing Federal Highway Administration design guidelines, implementing research and by employing countermeasures to help alleviate potential problems for older drivers. On many fronts, VDOT chooses to exceed the minimum national standards. Through VDOT's Older Driver Research Initiative, visual-aid improvements have been studied and several have been implemented.

VDOT's external website is being converted to meet accessibility standards that are expected to benefit the senior population, as well as the general public. Additionally, as part of the Rural Transportation Planning Program VDOT is studying ways to improve mobility for elderly persons and for those with disabilities. As a result of phase one of the Hampton Roads 2030 Regional Transportation Plan, Elderly & Handicapped Transportation in 2030 study, VDOT has recommended preliminary steps for improving travel options for older Virginians. Although not focused solely on the older population, the installation of handicap ramps, curb cuts, and rumble strips and state-of-the-art congestion management measures are beneficial to all of Virginia's traveling public, including Virginia's aging population.