Roads Deadlier for Older Drivers

The study suggests that older drivers have trouble navigating the roads, which were not designed with them in mind. For many aging motorists, signs are hard to read, lanes are too narrow and left- hand turns are very difficult. Intersections are a particular problem. According to the study, half of all fatal accidents involving older drivers occur at intersections, compared with about 25% for other drivers. The new 2001 MUTCD will contain several recommendations to protect older motorists, including: enlarging letters on street signs from 4″ to 6″, and replacing 18″ orange construction zone traffic cones with 24″ cones that are easier to spot.