AAA Offers Ten Ways to Make Roads Safer, Launches Safety Initiative Targeted at Seniors - Most Vulnerable Population

    WASHINGTON--June 23, 2003--More than 24,000 Americans died between 1998 and 2001 in car crashes in which neither driver error nor impairment were cited as factors, suggesting that the roads themselves contributed to the crashes, according to a new study released today. More than one-third of these deaths occurred at intersections, where confusing lanes, blind spots or inadequate signage contribute to crashes.
    These findings are the result of an analysis by Reader's Digest Magazine of crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. To ensure these problems are addressed and adequate funding is provided by Congress to make America's roads safer, AAA has developed a list of 10 ways government can improve roads and intersections .
    "We have a tremendous opportunity to prevent crashes if we look at improving our roads," said Bella Dinh-Zarr, Ph.D., AAA National Director of Traffic Safety Policy. "Simple changes such as larger signs, protected turn lanes, and better lighting are especially helpful to us as we age, but in fact, these improvements help make the roads safer for people of all ages."
    According to the Reader's Digest analysis, when the road was the major contributing factor in a crash, the majority of these crashes occurred at intersections (35 percent) and in dark conditions (31.7 percent). Overall, 44 percent of all crashes occur at intersections. Baby-boomers and older drivers tend to be the most vulnerable in driving on low lit roads and busy intersections because of their diminished vision and slower reaction time. In fact, by 2020 there will be more than 40 million licensed drivers over the age of 65.
    "We have launched a nationwide initiative called 'Lifelong Safe Mobility' and it will address three important elements of traffic safety: the road, the vehicle and the driver," said Dr. Dinh-Zarr. "Because the crash rates for older drivers will continue to climb because existing road hazards and aging do not mix well, targeting road improvements makes sound safety sense."
    This fall, Congress is scheduled to reauthorize the surface transportation funding act, which allocates money for roads, public transportation, as well as traffic safety programs. AAA will focus Congress' attention on its Ten Ways to Make Road Safer and this list is based on real world data from AAA Michigan's intersection safety program called the Road Improvement Demonstration Project as well as guidelines from the Federal Highway Administration. The exclusive report appears in the July issue of Reader's Digest.
    AAA urges citizens to write their Congressman and Senators telling them to make road improvements like intersection safety a priority in the transportation bill so that funds can be directed for road improvements, especially at intersections.
    For more information or to find out more about what you can do to help make America's roads safer, go to www.rd.com or www.aaapublicaffairs.com.
    As North America's largest motoring and leisure-travel organization, AAA provides its 46 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully-tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.
    Reader's Digest reaches 45 million American readers each month. The magazine celebrates ordinary people doing extraordinary things, and delivers a compelling mix of humor, personal service and other human-interest stories. Reader's Digest is published in 19 languages and 48 editions worldwide.

    AAA news releases are available from http://www.aaa.com/news