A Michigan Department of Transportation study has found new signs and signals are helping to make the roads safer for older drivers. Spokesperson Nick Schirripa says, since 2004, MDOT has been using easier-to-see materials on its signs, and also working to make traffic signals more visible. Surveys of older drivers find the measures are helping.
“In a survey, a pretty overwhelming number of motorists saying, ‘These changes are good. We like them,'” Schirripa told WSJM. “All five improvements reduced crash rates cost effectively, specifically among older drivers, but among all drivers, kind of an overarching improvement.”
Among other things, MDOT’s been using Clearview font on signs, fluorescent yellow sheeting and brighter colors for warnings, and pedestrian countdown indicators at crosswalks. Schirripa says, as the state’s population ages, such measures will continue to be taken. More details are available in the MDOT research spotlight report “Evaluation of Michigan’s Engineering Improvements for Older Drivers” online. It can be found at www.michigan.gov/documents/mdot/RC1636_Spotlight_506683_7.pdf
