Assessing the needs of Delaware’s older drivers.

Dworsky, Bernard; O’Hanlon, Julia · 2007 · ROSA P / Delaware Center for Transportation

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Summary

This report, prepared by the University of Delaware’s Institute for Public Administration for the Delaware Center for Transportation, addresses the growing safety and mobility challenges associated with Delaware’s aging driver population. Motivated by demographic projections indicating that Delaware will have the ninth-largest percentage of elderly residents by 2030, the study aims to identify necessary infrastructure modifications and policy interventions. The research highlights that older adults, particularly those in rural Kent and Sussex counties, rely heavily on private vehicles due to a lack of mass transit alternatives. As age-related declines in vision, cognition, and motor function increase crash risks, the report seeks to provide actionable recommendations for the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) to enhance roadway safety and support the "aging in place" phenomenon. The methodology combines a comprehensive literature review of national trends and case studies with an analysis of Delaware-specific data. The authors examined U.S. Census projections, DelDOT crash statistics from 2004–2006, and demographic trends across New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were utilized to map crash locations involving drivers aged 60 and older against population density and senior facility locations. Additionally, the report reviews external case studies on intersection design, traffic signal timing, and crash causation factors, such as failure-to-yield incidents, to identify best practices applicable to Delaware’s road network. Key findings reveal that while New Castle County holds the largest absolute number of senior residents, Kent and Sussex counties are projected to experience the most significant percentage growth in their 60+ and 75+ populations. Crash data indicate that accidents involving older drivers are concentrated on high-density arterial roads, such as U.S. Route 13 and State Route 1, particularly in areas with high senior population concentrations. The literature review underscores that older drivers are disproportionately involved in fatal crashes and intersection incidents, often due to misjudging vehicle distance or failing to detect conflicting traffic. The report identifies specific problem areas, including the "Five Points" intersection in Sussex County and main arteries in Newark and Dover, where infrastructure modifications are most urgently needed. The significance of this report lies in its prioritized recommendations for DelDOT and other state agencies to mitigate risks associated with older drivers. The authors advocate for targeted infrastructure improvements, including the installation of roundabouts to reduce left-turn conflicts, protected left-turn phases at signals, improved intersection geometry, and enhanced signage and lighting. Furthermore, the report emphasizes the need for comprehensive assessment, education, and outreach programs to help seniors and their families navigate driving limitations. By aligning transportation planning with demographic trends and crash data, the study provides a strategic framework for maintaining the mobility, independence, and safety of Delaware’s older population.

Key finding

Delaware's 65+ population is projected to increase by 133 percent between 2000 and 2030, with Sussex and Kent Counties experiencing the highest growth rates, necessitating targeted infrastructure modifications to address elevated crash risks among older drivers.

Methodology

review

Provenance

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Summary generated by qwen3.6-27b-prismaquant on 2026-06-10; verification: verified.

Topics

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• older driver retraining
• older drivers
• age related perceptual decline

Information type

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• Empirical Findings: observational prevalence