Enhanced Mobility Pilot Program

James Hough and Andy Franken, The Hamilton Consulting Group

July 3, 2003 

© The Hamilton Consulting Group 2003

Overview

Early this week the legislature approved AB 88, which lowers the legal limit of blood alcohol content for Wisconsin drivers from 0.10 to 0.08; and today, the Governor signed the bill into law. Because Wisconsin was able to pass the 0.08 BAC law prior to July 15, 2003, with an effective date prior to Oct. 1, 2003, Wisconsin will receive federal incentive grant money totaling approximately $2.2 million in fiscal year 2003. Anticipating the passage of AB 88 by the deadline, the legislature earmarked the incentive money to be used in the biennial budget for creation and implementation of an Enhanced Mobility pilot program aimed at improving safety and extending the independence of our aging driver population.

In Wisconsin and across the nation, the percentage of older people is expected to increase dramatically as the baby boomers join the ranks of the aging between now and the year 2030. Besides the general growth of the aging population overall, people today are likely to remain more mobile and more independent as they age, resulting in a sharp increase in the number of aging drivers on our nation’s roads. In Wisconsin, an Enhanced Mobility Coalition has been formed of members concerned about the safety and quality of life of aging drivers and the general safety of all of our drivers and pedestrians. The Coalition proposed a pilot Enhanced Mobility program to commence in fiscal year 2003.

On a bi-partisan vote of 16-0, the Joint Committee on Finance included the Enhanced Mobility pilot in the biennial budget proposal. The project was also endorsed by Governor Doyle and DOT Secretary Busalacchi.

The Problem
The increasing number of aging drivers is, of course, not a problem in and of itself; rather, the Coalition addressed certain physical challenges associated with the aging process that can create safety risks. One of the main physical challenges facing older drivers is natural visual deterioration.

Loss of visual acuity can result in slower reaction and response times, increasing the possibility of an accident. Additional vision problems associated with the aging driver, such as sensitivity to bright light, decreased depth perception, decreased peripheral vision, cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration all can contribute to decreased visual perception in driving, which can lead to accidents.

In addition, as people age they experience decreased regenerative capabilities that make it more difficult for them to recover from serious injuries associated with traffic accidents. (By 2030, drivers 65 and older are expected to account for 16 percent of all crashes per year and are expected to account for 35 percent of all fatal crashes – more than double the current percentage.)

Increased Safety – Federal Guidelines
Because the increase in older drivers is a national pattern, and not just statewide, federal guidelines for improving driving conditions for this population have been developed. In recent years, older drivers and their safety needs have been extensively studied. In 1998 the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) issued specific recommendations and guidelines in its Older Driver Highway Design Handbook that detail several practical, cost-effective solutions to better guide all motorists, but especially older motorists.

Recommendations of the FHWA include:

• At intersections, use brighter signs and clearly visible pavement markings to mark left turns, “do not enter” roadways, and other critical intersection directions. Provide larger, brighter street name signs – with minimum 6 inch copy size that can be seen by drivers well in advance;

• At freeway interchanges, use large, bright signs, i.e. EXIT, DO NOT ENTER, and WRONG WAY, raised pavement markings, and post-mounted chevron signs and delineators for improved warning and direction;

• In rural areas, particularly on dark and curvy roads, use high luminance edge lines, centerline raised pavement markers, and highly reflective NO PASSING ZONE and curve signs;

• In construction zones, provide clearly signed and marked construction work areas to make them less confusing and complex, including usage of high luminance signs and devices as well as clearly visible temporary edge and center lines. Permanent markings that are no longer in effect should be covered or eliminated.

Enhanced Mobility Pilot Program – Wisconsin
Like the Federal Government, Wisconsin recognizes the need for enhanced safety for its aging driver population. Additionally, Wisconsin has a goal of supporting and promoting extended independence and quality of life for its aging drivers. Thus, the Coalition for Enhanced Mobility developed a pilot program that proposed to address safety concerns while also attempting to significantly contribute to the quality of life of the elderly Wisconsin driver by enhancing mobility, extending independence and boosting self-esteem. 

Wisconsin’s program authorizes three pilot programs – one in a rural setting, one suburban, and one urban. While the primary focus is to enhance the mobility and increase the safety of older drivers, the program increases the safety of all drivers and pedestrians. Drivers of all ages will be able to see signs and markings sooner and have more time to react safely. Crashes, injuries, and the resulting economic burden should be reduced.

Funding
The Enhanced Mobility pilot program was introduced during the Joint Committee on Finance’s budget deliberations, and adopted by the committee and the legislature in the form of a motion (motion #471) during final budget action. The author and staunch program proponent was Rep. Jeff Stone. The motion, as adopted, requires DOT to administer the grant program, which will provide grants to local governments for implementation of the enhanced mobility plan detailed above. (Local governments will access the DOT grant fund through competitive bidding based on delineated safety issues.)

The state fund will total approximately $6 million in the biennium – the total of FED incentive grant money due Wisconsin for adopting a 0.08 blood alcohol level intoxicated driving law, approximately $2,200,000, and up to $3,800,000 FED from the DOT’s appropriation for federal formula highway aid in 2004-05. The local governmental units receiving grants will be required to add a 25 percent match.

Coalition Members
Members of the Enhanced Mobility Coalition include:

• Representative Jeff Stone, author of the budget bill motion
• AAA Wisconsin
• AARP Wisconsin
• Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups
• Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce
• Wisconsin Safety Council
• Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Assn.
• Wisconsin Law Enforcement Coalition
• Wisconsin Health and Hospital Assn.
• Wisconsin Motor Carriers Assn.
• Wisconsin Education Association Council
• Wisconsin Optometric Assn.
• Wisconsin Medical Society
• 3M