National Safety Coalition Applauds Older Driver Safety Amendment

Coalition Salutes Sen. Bill Nelson for Leadership

WASHINGTON, March 15, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Coalition for Older Roadway User Safety (CORUS) strongly endorses an older driver and pedestrian safety amendment filed by Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) and inserted into the Senate transportation authorization bill. CORUS, which is comprised of AARP, American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA), American Highway Users Alliance, Easter Seals, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a), and Transportation for America, is focused on making America's roads safer for older drivers and pedestrians.

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, it is estimated that by the year 2030, 25 percent of American drivers will be 65 years of age or older. Beginning to address the roadway safety infrastructure needs of older Americans now will help ensure the continued safety and quality of life for all Americans as they age.

"AARP is delighted that because of this amendment, states will now adopt specific plans to make roads safer for older drivers and pedestrians," said Joyce Rogers, Senior Vice President for Government Affairs.  "Investing in proven, low-cost roadway improvements that help keep older drivers and pedestrians safe will make the roads safer for everyone."

"We know that literally millions of baby boomers will reach their sixties in the near future and we know that we have the ability to make our roadways safer for older drivers.  This legislation ensures that we will do the right thing and ensure their safety on America's roadways," said Roger A. Wentz, President & CEO of ATSSA.

The Nelson Amendment ensures that states that have an increasing fatality and serious injury rate for older drivers and pedestrians will adjust their Strategic Highway Safety Plans to focus on roadway safety infrastructure programs to reduce these rates.

CORUS truly appreciates the dedication that Sen. Nelson has shown in his effort to keep all Americans safe on our nation's roadways. In addition, CORUS applauds the Senate passage of the bipartisan transportation bill. By working together on initiatives such older driver and pedestrian safety, we can all help to realize a national goal of moving toward zero deaths on American roads.

Contact: Laura Perrotta (ATSSA)
202-454-5246
[email protected]

SOURCE American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA)