National Highway Traffic Safety Administration OLDER DRIVER LAW ENFORCEMENT COURSE NHTSA Older Driver
NHTSA S Older Driver Law Enforcement Course Course Objectives Upon successfully completing this session, the participants will be able to: Discuss how the aging process affects older drivers; Discuss effective methods for interacting with and evaluating older drivers; Discuss appropriate referral options available for older drivers. NHTSA Older Driver
NHTSA S Older Driver Law Enforcement Course TABLE OF CONTENTS- COURSE SEGMENTS I. COURSE OVERVIEW II. III. IV. REASONS TO CARE UNDERSTANDING AGING FACTORS OLDER DRIVER TRAFFIC STOPS V. REFERRALS VI. VII. OLDER DRIVER COMMUNITY RELATIONS PROGRAMS COURSE REVIEW NHTSA Older Driver
NHTSA S Older Driver Law Enforcement Course Slide 1: Title Slide Slide 2: NHTSA Older Driver 1 I. Course Overview
Slide 3: Course Overview I. Course Overview A. The Baby Boomers will begin turning 65 years old in 2011. By the year 2030, those over age 65 will be the largest segment of the population. Many of them will still be driving and will be 23% of the licensed drivers. What perceptions do you have when you think of older drivers? This course will: Dispel preconceived notions about aging Demonstrate effective communication with older drivers Provide guidance on traffic stops with older drivers Discuss making referrals to licensing and other authorities Provide cues for identifying at-risk drivers Discuss appropriate enforcement actions for at-risk drivers Suggest opportunities to improve community relations NHTSA Older Driver 2 I. Course Overview
Slide 4: Reasons to Care Slide 5: Older Driver Numbers II. Reasons to Care NHTSA Older Driver 3 II. Reasons to Care
Slide 5: Driver Fatality Rate A. Statistics: Motor vehicle injuries are the leading cause of injuryrelated death for those 65 to 74 years old Motor vehicle injuries are the second leading cause of injury-related death for those 75-85 years old Older drivers have a higher fatality rate per mile driven than any other age group except drivers under the age of 25 The current fatality rate for drivers 85 and older is nine times higher than drivers 25 to 69 years old As the older population continues to grow, drivers 65 years and older are expected to be involved in 16% of all crashes and 25% of all fatal crashes NHTSA Older Driver 4 II. Reasons to Care
Slide 7: Crashes per Licensed Driver 1. The older you are, the fewer crashes you tend to have. This is primarily due to driving less. People under 24 years have 4 times the crashes as those over 65, but younger people recover better from crash-related injuries. Slide 8: Pedestrian Fatalities by Age 2. Although this shows only one year of data, it gives us a clear picture of who is at risk of dying in a pedestrian crash. People over age 70 make up 10% of the population, but 16% of the pedestrian fatalities. They are at greater risk of dying in any motor vehicle crash. NHTSA Older Driver 5 II. Reasons to Care
Slide 9: US Population by Segment B. Demographics: In 2003, 36 million people age 65 and over lived in the US (12% of the total US population) Over the 20 th century, the older population in the US grew from 3 million to 35 million The older population in 2000 was 35 million and it will more than double to 71.5 million by 2030 Population change is already taking place A graph showing the numbers of people in different age groups used to look like a pyramid; now it looks like a rectangle NHTSA Older Driver 6 II. Reasons to Care
Slide 10: Number of People Age 65 and Older 1. There will be not only an increase in the proportion of the population that is over age 65, the numbers of people over the age 65 will also dramatically increase. The greatest increase will be in the numbers of people age 85 and older. Most of these people will be traveling in cars; many of them will be driving. NHTSA Older Driver 7 II. Reasons to Care
C. Timeline of Dena Kline Disappearance Friday, 2/23, 4 p.m.: Dena Kline leaves her residence in Wilsonville to pick up a prescription Friday, 2/23, 5 p.m.: Kline uses a credit card to buy fuel at Tualatin gas station Friday, 2/23, 7 p.m.: Newberg police stop Kline on suspicion of driving under the influence of intoxicants, but she is allowed to continue driving. Friday, 2/23, 11 p.m.: Molalla police stop Kline on suspicion of driving under the influence of intoxicants, but she is allowed to continue driving. Saturday, 2/24, 12:45 a.m.: Kline is reported as a possible intoxicated driver while traveling northbound on Highway 99E in Oregon City. She stops for directions at the Falls View Tavern. Saturday, 2/24, 1:30 a.m.: Kline stops to ask for directions at the Corner Saloon between Tigard and West Linn. Saturday, 2/24, 9 a.m.: A retired sheriff s office deputy reports that a vehicle similar to Kline s turned around in his driveway, off S. Sawtell Road near Molalla. Sunday, 2/25: The Clackamas County Sheriff s Office begins a countywide search for Kline using aircraft, off-road vehicles, marine teams and detectives. Monday, 2/26: The sheriff s office announces that it will use a new mass telephone calling system to dial Oregon City residents, asking people to be on the lookout for Kline. Tuesday, 2/27: Clackamas County Sheriff s Office marine unit, along with the Multnomah County Sheriff s Office, begins using sonar to scan boat ramps along the Willamette River. Posted: June 23, 2007, 10:05 PM At approximately 7:43 p.m. this evening (June 23), Clackamas County Marine Patrol personnel were made aware of an automobile that was submerged in the Willamette River at the SportsCraft Marina Boat Ramp in Oregon City. Marine Patrol personnel have dived into this body of water and confirmed this is the same vehicle that previously reported missing person Dena Delphine Kline born in April, 1926 was operating when she was reported as missing last February 2007. Clackamas County Sheriff s Marine personnel report this vehicle is occupied by a deceased person. Although the identification of this person has not been officially confirmed, it is reasonable to presume the body is that of Dena Kline. This certainly is not the desirable outcome law enforcement and family had hoped to achieve; although, this recover will enable closure from a very heartbreaking set of circumstances. Source: Clackamas County Sheriff s Office NHTSA Older Driver 8 II. Reasons to Care
Discussion Did they correctly in take enforcement action? Were they remiss in not conducting adequate interviews and evaluations during the traffic stops? Could officers have used effective communications and interviews to recognize and evaluate the signs and symptoms of impairment, thereby avoiding this tragic ending? Slide 11: Law Enforcement Mission D. Law Enforcement Mission 1. Protect and serve (Reduce traffic injuries and fatalities) a. Provide helpful information to family member(s) and others caring for drivers at-risk b. Identify at-risk drivers through proper intervention c. Provide information, instruction and resources for older drivers and their families d. Refer at-risk drivers to the appropriate agencies e. Involve media in traffic safety announcements f. Document traffic stops for future tracking/reference NHTSA Older Driver 9 II. Reasons to Care
Slide 12: Facts 2. What do these trends mean for Law Enforcement? a. Law enforcement will interact with older people more frequently than ever before b. Law enforcement must become more aware of the needs of the elderly c. Law enforcement must understand and address the needs of the older driver population NHTSA Older Driver 10 II. Reasons to Care
Slide 14: Understandin g Aging Factors III. Understanding Aging Factors We will now discuss aging as it relates to the older driver. You will be exposed to many issues of aging, including but not limited to the aging process, elder cultural norms, and infirmities that can alter the normal aging process. Communication skills and positive interaction techniques will be explored. Slide 15: Testing Your Aging IQ Testing Your Aging IQ A. True or False: All five senses decline with age. NHTSA Older Driver 11 III. Understanding Aging Factors
1. Vision: Most states impose vision requirements on all drivers. The older driver may have difficulty reading road signs, seeing lane lines, curbs, medians, vehicles, and pedestrians. Visual changes are a natural part of the aging process and can be severe when associated with common eye diseases. a. Visual changes are a natural part of the aging process and can be severe when associated with common eye diseases. b. Indicators of Visual Impairment: Dynamic Visual Acuity The ability to see a moving object. With age, this ability may decline, especially under low light conditions like evening. Depth Perception The ability to determine the distance of objects. With age, change in the lenses of the eyes decreases the ability to accurately determine the distances between objects. Useful Field of View The area that one can see and process information from. With cognitive slowing, the area shrinks to only the area a person sees directly in front of the eyes without side vision. Contrast Sensitivity The ability to see the difference between two similarly colored objects. Cataracts change the perception of color and background. Perception Reaction Time (PRT) The speed with which a driver can process visual information and respond to it appropriately. Glare Recovery Light scatters as it hits the lens of the eye, just like on old sunglasses. This can cause dazzling bright spots. Peripheral Vision The ability to see objects to the side when the eyes are focused forward. NHTSA Older Driver 12 III. Understanding Aging Factors
2. Hearing: People with hearing loss may have difficulty admitting that they have a problem. An effect of hearing loss is increased difficulty with oral communication. a. Signs and symptoms of hearing loss may include: Muffled quality of speech and other sounds Difficulty understanding words, especially against background noise Asking others to speak more slowly, clearly and loudly Inappropriate responses to direct questions Withdrawal from conversations appearing inattentive b. How can law enforcement better communicate with hearing impaired people? Tips for communicating with someone who has a hearing problem: Face the person and talk clearly Speak at a reasonable rate (Do not hide your mouth, eat or chew gum) Stand in good lighting Reduce background noise Use facial expressions or gestures to give useful clues Repeat yourself if necessary, using different words Talk with the person, not about the person, when they are with others Be patient, stay positive and relaxed Ask how you can help REMEMBER! These tips never supersede officer safety! NHTSA Older Driver 13 III. Understanding Aging Factors
Slide 16: Testing Your Aging IQ B. True or False: All older persons are irritable and angry. Slide 17: Testing Your Aging IQ C. True or False: Most older persons who suffer from illness or impairments reside in long-term care facilities. NHTSA Older Driver 14 III. Understanding Aging Factors
Slide 18: Testing Your Aging IQ D. True or False: Most older people suffer from some type of dementia or become senile due to the aging process. 1. Dementia Things you need to know: a. Dementia progresses in stages Mild forgetfulness and difficulty working Concentration and cognition difficulties Confusion, diminished memory and orientation Personality changes, loss of verbal abilities and incontinence NHTSA Older Driver 15 III. Understanding Aging Factors
b. Alzheimer s Disease (AD) is a progressive, irreversible disease which gradually damages and destroys nerve cells in the brain. i. Consists of stages of progressive decline in mental function over a prolonged period of time, ultimately leading to a vegetative state and death ii. Can only be conclusively diagnosed through an autopsy; those who are thought to have the disease are sometimes referred to as having Alzheimer slike symptoms iii. The disease Affects both men and women Crosses all social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds Is the 4 th leading cause of death in adults (after heart disease, cancer and stroke) Affects 1 in 10 persons over age 65 and nearly half of those over 85. iv. Many mildly and moderately impaired individuals seem as alert and as physically fit as anyone else their age. Less obvious are a range of signs and behaviors which often accompany the disease. Be aware that some behaviors resemble intoxication. Not all AD patients exhibit the same symptoms and behaviors Some individuals are adept at making or denying their symptoms. NHTSA Older Driver 16 III. Understanding Aging Factors
v. You may be dealing with a person who has dementia if he or she: Is confused and disoriented Appears to be lost or wandering Appears agitated or fearful Is unable to grasp or remember the present situation Has difficulty judging the passage of time Asks the same question over and over Gives inappropriate responses to questions Is dressed inappropriately for the occasion or season Has blank or inappropriate facial expressions Is delusional vi. This behavior is not intentional. The brain is simply sending a confused message or sequence of events to the mouth. You may also have difficulty in making yourself understood. Do not assume that the person can understand and comply with any information that you give. Recent memories are lost first, while distant memories are often retained They may have trouble remembering their address (e.g., may give you an address at which they have not lived for more than 20 years) The dementia patient may recall their vital information by not recognize a family member Common encounters relating to drivers with dementia: Individuals may forget where they parked their cars and report them stolen They may get lost while driving, either in their neighborhood or hundreds of miles from their homes They may have a crash and leave the scene because they forget it happened or did not recognize the event as important They may wander on foot and a passerby may offer assistance or transportation, calling law enforcement when they recognize a problem NHTSA Older Driver 17 III. Understanding Aging Factors
They may abandon their vehicle for no apparent reason and walk away People with dementia often drive a car even when memory, judgment and problem-solving abilities have declined viii. The way law enforcement manages these encounters can ensure the safety of the individual and others ix. When interacting with dementia patients, law enforcement should: Exhibit a calm, reassuring demeanor Reduce unneeded stimuli and loud noises (e.g., sirens, excessive bright or flashing strobe-type lights, loud radios) x. Situations that may be only mildly stressful for most people can easily escalate out of proportion for individuals with this disease xi. Participants should remember: Moods can change quickly Individuals may become visibly angry or agitated, act suspicious or nervous (pacing, excessive hand movement) Individuals may try to run away or become physically aggressive without warning NHTSA Older Driver 18 III. Understanding Aging Factors
Slide 19: Testing Your Aging IQ E. True or False: Law enforcement as a whole shows no bias toward older drivers. 1. Common Rationalizations She reminds me of my grandmother/mother. How can they afford a ticket? and No one got hurt anyway. He was a little confused, but he was only going to the grocery store; everybody has a bad day. How long will I be tied up here if I try to assess and resolve this situation? NHTSA Older Driver 19 III. Understanding Aging Factors
Slides 21 & 22: Older Driver Traffic Stops Stopping Traffic Violators IV. Older Driver Traffic Stops A. Describe the importance of stopping traffic violators 1. Bias based policing is unlawful. It is important that law enforcement officers stop traffic violators regardless of: a. Age b. Gender c. Ethnic background NHTSA Older Driver 20 IV. Older Driver Traffic Stops
2. Traffic laws apply to everyone. Typically, officers stop young, aggressive drivers at a disproportionate rate to older drivers. By failing to stop older violators, officers are missing opportunities to identify impaired and/or at-risk drivers in other age categories. Subsequently, educational, enforcement, and intervention opportunities are lost. 3. Law enforcement is required by oath and mission to protect and serve. Traffic enforcement should be applied equally to age groups. This philosophy provides opportunities to potentially save the lives of older drivers and other road users. Slide 23: Impaired Driving B. Impaired Driving 1. Officers should stop traffic violators when they see violations regardless of the driver s age. 2. Often drivers impaired by age-related illnesses and diseases, or other medical conditions, may exhibit driving behavior similar to alcohol and/or drug impairment. During traffic contacts officers should not rule out driver impairment just because an officer does not smell alcohol emitted from the driver s breath, or note signs and symptoms of drug abuse. 3. Today more medication is prescribed to older people than to other age groups (under 65). 4. Resources, such as the Drug Recognition Expert (DRE), should be used to determine the causes of impairment when observed during a traffic stop. NHTSA Older Driver 21 IV. Older Driver Traffic Stops
Slide 24: Older Driver Cues for Law Enforcement 5. Officers should be aware of the following cues to detect atrisk drivers: Was the driver slow to react when signaled to stop by law enforcement? Did the driver stop at a safe location? Were they driving slowly? Were they weaving or straddling the lane lines? Does the driver know the current time of day, month or year? Does the driver know their destination or where they are coming from? Is the driver far from their residence? Is the driver s clothing disheveled, incomplete or inappropriate for existing weather conditions? Does the driver have difficulty communicating? Does the driver stumble over words, ramble in short, unattached, meaningless sentences or explanations of their driving ability? Does the driver exhibit poor personal hygiene? Does the driver appear to be suffering from dementia? Is the driver weather a medical alert tag? Does the driver have prescription drugs? If so, what kind of drugs? A DRE can assist with this portion of the investigation. NHTSA Older Driver 22 IV. Older Driver Traffic Stops
Does the driver have difficulty finding and/or removing their driver s license or retrieving ownership documents for the vehicle? Does the driver have difficulty walking or standing? Does the driver shake excessively or lack coordination when doing simple tasks? Slide 25: DUI or Medical Condition? 6. Officers should note any of the following cues: a. The driver s walking, balance, and fine motor skills when they are outside the vehicle. b. Signs and symptoms of impairment that may not be noted while the driver is still in the vehicle may be observed outside the vehicle. c. The driver s ability to effectively communicate for a period of approximately 10 minutes. (An effective interview and observation period can occur during this time period to determine whether the driver is impaired or exhibiting at-risk behaviors relating to unsafe driving.) NHTSA Older Driver 23 IV. Older Driver Traffic Stops
Is it DUI or Is it a Medical Condition? Disease Symptom Possible Effect Parkinson s Disease Right Brain Stroke Left Brain Stroke Lack of spatial awareness Bradykinesia group of symptoms that include tremor and difficulty initiating movement Medications Misperception of abilities Left side strength and coordination Visual perception deficits Left Visual Field cut or Visual inattention Insight and judgment Right side strength & coordination Aphasic Short term memory limitation Right visual field cut and / or right visual inattention Weaving while driving Delayed starts, stops, and head turns Differ hour to hour Risky choices May not use turn signals Errors at intersections Hug the center line, not react to cars on left Often severely impaired May have difficulty with gas and brake May have difficulty speaking and/or under-standing language May not remember the speed limit May hug the right side, not give space to cyclists or parked cars Diabetes Alzheimer s Disease Changes in blood sugar can effect vision and cognition acutely or over time Decreased lower extremity sensation Leading cause of amputations Memory for how to drive, rules of the road remains intact Difficulty with short term memory Can result in erratic behavior Errors with accelerator and brake pedals Errors with accelerator and brake pedals if driver does not have adaptive equipment Get lost Stop on green lights Get in the wrong turn lane Sudden stops NHTSA Older Driver 24 IV. Older Driver Traffic Stops
Slide 26: Vehicle Observation C. Observation of the Vehicle 1. During the traffic stop, the officer should make observations of the stopped vehicle to determine: a. If there are multiple dents or damage that are consistent with low speed collisions. Overall condition of the vehicle (inside and out) If there are modifications to the vehicle to assist the driver with routine driving, such as instruments to reach the accelerator and brake pedals, or knobs on the steering wheel that are not professionally installed? NHTSA Older Driver 25 IV. Older Driver Traffic Stops
D. Instructor-Participant Role Play Exercise Post-Exercise Discussion 1. Explanations: The driver had difficulty removing their license because of arthritis. The driver had difficulty understanding the officer because of a natural loss of hearing. The driver had difficulty walking because of foot ailments related to a natural process of aging. The driver was addressed improperly (Mr., Mrs., or Ms. Is a courteous way of addressing someone, regardless of age.) The driver in this case may not have been intoxicated. Be aware of ageism. Be patient. Try not to interrupt an older person in your interview. Avoid jargon and slang. Use the traffic stop to make a positive community contact while determining whether the driver is safe to drive. It is important to have a conversation with the driver to determine impairment or at-risk driving behavior. Communication should occur throughout the traffic contact while making detailed observations of behavior and a thorough examination of the circumstances. Communication, dialogue and observations are keys to determining whether a driver can immediately continue driving safely. NHTSA Older Driver 26 IV. Older Driver Traffic Stops
Slide 27: Documenting the Traffic Stop E. Properly Document Traffic Stops 1. Law enforcement personnel should identify themselves to the driver by name and agency, and explain the reason for the traffic contact. 2. Some members of law enforcement have difficulty enforcing laws on individuals who may remind them of their parents or grandparents. Without written documentation, a driver could be stopped multiple times for violations by several officers and not have a written history. ALL traffic stops should be documented. This can be a citation or written warning. Traffic contacts are an excellent opportunity to educate drivers about the importance of safe driving. NHTSA Older Driver 27 IV. Older Driver Traffic Stops
Slide 28: Why Document the Traffic Stop? 3. The written history is important to: Law enforcement agency State Department of Motor Vehicles The driver s family and physician NHTSA Older Driver 28 IV. Older Driver Traffic Stops
Slide 29: Special Concerns During the Stop 4. Identify special needs/concerns related to older driver traffic stops: Officer safety is paramount during traffic stops Traffic stops are a very dangerous activity In 2004, more law enforcement officers were killed in traffic incidents than in felonious assaults Officers should be aware of the danger of passing traffic and the potential of assault by the driver or passengers Traffic offenders of all ages have assaulted officers Some medical conditions, such as cognitive disorders, have been known to cause victims of these conditions to react violently and in a confused manner NHTSA Older Driver 29 IV. Older Driver Traffic Stops
Slide 30: Safer Zone F. Safer Zone 1. Safer Zone : This is an area that Law Enforcement Stops & Safety Subcommittee (LESS) identified as the safest area to conduct the traffic stop if a rear-end collision occurs. The area is six feet to the right of the law enforcement officer s front passenger door, when the patrol vehicle is parked fifteen feet behind the violator s vehicle. Officers are encouraged to complete the interview and written warning or citation with the violator in this area. 2. Given longer stops with older drivers, this could be a good option. NHTSA Older Driver 30 IV. Older Driver Traffic Stops
Slide 32: Referrals V. Referrals In order to better serve the public, law enforcement must use existing systems to impact the behaviors of drivers with whom they come into contact. One of the ways law enforcement can make a positive impact is through referrals to specific organizations or agencies. A. Licensing: 1. In each state, the responsibility to license drivers falls to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent 2. Law enforcement often contact drivers in situations that cause them to question the ability of that driver to safely operate a motor vehicle 3. Each state has a form that law enforcement can complete to request the licensing authority to re-examine the driver 4. In some states, family members or the public can also refer driver for re-examination NHTSA Older Driver 31 V. Referrals
People are often reluctant to refer their own family members and may defer to law enforcement rather than have to confront their loved one about the driver s declining ability. Remember to cite the driver or give a written warning. Create a tracking history. 5. Things to know: a. How and where to obtain the form Is it available in your office? Is it available at the DMV? Is it available on the state s web site? b. How to complete the form c. How to answer the public s questions about the form B. Completing the Driver Referral Form 1. Since referral forms vary from state-to-state it is important to emphasize to the participant the critical need to provide thorough, accurate reporting on any form used. 2. Following the tenets of the Five Ws (Who, What, When, Where, Why) ensures that re-examining officials can identify specific behaviors, signs and symptoms that indicate a need to restrict, modify or remove license privileges. Since accuracy is the key point, review examples to identify solid, factual reporting behavior. This will ensure objective and fair reporting with sufficient detail. NHTSA Older Driver 32 V. Referrals
Slides 33 & 34: Completing the Re- Examination Request C. Completing the Re-Examination Request 1. Specific examples of behavior should be described rather than simply listing code violations or making generalities. Example: Driver Jones displayed difficulty in reading the citation, squinting and holding the document at different distances. Driver Jones stated, I don t see very well. Can you read it to me? Driver Jones did not have a listed license restriction for correction lenses, and was not wearing glasses at the time he was contacted. NHTSA Older Driver 33 V. Referrals
2. Specific descriptions of observed physical or apparent mental impairments should also be included. Example: Driver Smith advised me that he had recently lost feeling in his right let and was using crutches to get around. During this conversation, I observed Driver Smith s left foot pressing on the brake pedal and a pair of crutches in the right front passenger compartment. Example: Driver Green was unable to identify the highway she was traveling on, and could not remember which direction she was headed. Driver Green appeared very disoriented and confused when asked about her destination, and when asked for identification, she stated several times, I just wanted to go shopping! Driver Green was traveling alone, but frequently appeared to be having a conversation with a nonexistent passenger in the rearview mirror. 3. Emphasis should be placed on consideration of outcomes when referring drivers for re-examination. Law enforcement intervention may be the life-saving move that permits a driver to stay safe, recognize correctable problems, and possibly continue driving in the future. NHTSA Older Driver 34 V. Referrals
Slide 35: Family Referrals D. Referrals In the Community 1. Family: Contacting a driver s family may be all that is necessary to ensure that the driver gets the follow-up care and attention that is called for. Techniques for involving the family include looking for cell phones, id bracelets, etc. NHTSA Older Driver 35 V. Referrals
Slide 36: Community Referrals 2. Local Medical Organizations A medical referral may be an option. Many resources available in your community can assist an older driver when a medical condition is interfering with the driver s safety. a. Hospitals: Many hospitals have community education programs written for seniors. Find out what s available in your local hospital. b. Personal Physician or Medical Provider: Drivers can get useful information about the aging process from their physician. NHTSA Older Driver 36 V. Referrals
c. Mental Health: Check to see what resources are available in the mental health system in your community. Educational classes, pamphlets, etc., are usually available. Don t overlook other statutory options. A driver in severe mental crisis may need a mental health evaluation. d. Vision Screening: It is normal for vision to deteriorate with age. Older drivers may not recognize that their eyewear prescription needs to be updated. Locate the places in your community where seniors can get free or low-cost vision screening and information about driving with decreased visual acuity. e. Some communities have public health fairs where this information is readily available to drivers of all age groups. f. Hearing Screening: Know where a driver can get information and assistance if he/she is hard of hearing. g. Public Health Nurse: Public health nurses can provide information, education and referrals to aging drivers. h. Occupational Therapists (OT) and Driver Rehabilitation Specialists. NHTSA Older Driver 37 V. Referrals
3. Area Agency on Aging: Called AAA (not to be confused with the auto club), your Area Agencies on Aging may be your one stop shopping for older driver referrals. Created by the Older Americans Act of 1965, AAA performs a leadership role in the communities they serve by responding to the needs of the elderly as advocates, planners, and funders, and by providing education, information and referral services. AAA works with both the public and private sectors to generate needed support to help older adults and their care givers remain in the most desirable and least restrictive living arrangements. a. Elder Care Locator: Call the Eldercare Locator to assist with finding care for seniors. Toll free: 1-800-677-1116, M-F, 0900-2000 (Eastern Time) 4. Alzheimer s Association: What will you do if you locate a wandering Alzheimer s patient? What resources are available to you? a. The Association provides: Resources for older drivers suffering from specific problems Training and materials for law enforcement Response for patients in crisis 5. Adult Protective Services: Many states require law enforcement to report neglected seniors. A patient suffering from dementia that is found wandering may be a victim of self-neglect or neglect at the hands of a care giver. Learn your statutory responsibilities and know what resources are available. NHTSA Older Driver 38 V. Referrals
Slide 37: Referrals to Engineers 6. County/State Roadway Engineers: a. These offices are responsible for: Road/highway improvements Detailed analysis of roadway design Future planning of driver-friendly environments b. Upon referral from law enforcement, roadway engineers can implement improvements in signage, roadway design, and traffic operations. NHTSA Older Driver 39 V. Referrals
Slide 38: Referrals to Driver Trainers 7. Driver Improvement Training: Many older drivers can benefit from a driver-refresher course. There are several available in your community. Some examples include: a. AARP Driver Safety Program (formerly 55 Alive!) www.aarp.org b. Computer-based programs. There are a variety of computer-based, self-assessments and driver education programs. AAA (the auto club) markets Road Wise Review which debuted in January 2005. www.aaafoundation.org c. Fee-based driver improvement or driver rehabilitation. Most communities have behind-thewheel education available for older adults Occupations Therapists Driving Schools NHTSA Older Driver 40 V. Referrals
Slide 39: Older Driver Community Relations Programs VI. Older Driver Community Relations Programs In this section, participants will learn about different approaches to the older driver that law enforcement agencies can take to promote stronger ties to the community. Improving community relations benefits law enforcement and the community. Unsafe driving behaviors negatively impact the quality of life in communities. Traffic law enforcement plays a huge role in protecting the community. With every traffic stop or other interaction with the public, law enforcement will leave a lasting impression. This is especially true with older people. They still respect the uniform, but it is up to law enforcement to establish mutual respect and to make the interaction a positive one. NHTSA Older Driver 41 VI. Older Driver Community Relations Programs
Slide 40: Collaborations A. Collaborations between law enforcement management, line officers and the community. 1. Collaborations make it easier to complete the law enforcement mission. There are other organizations in most communities that share a small piece of the traffic safety and injury prevention mission. 2. There are also other law enforcement agencies that are great role models for establishing collaborations with private organizations or other public entities. These partnerships show that the line officer and agency management can be involved in older driver safety at different levels. NHTSA Older Driver 42 VI. Older Driver Community Relations Programs
Slide 41: Case Studies B. Case Studies 1. AARP s Driver Safety Program is designed as a refresher course for older drivers and to remind them of changes to the rules of the road that may have about since they were first licensed. a. AARP s Driver Safety Program is: A great opportunity for law enforcement to engage seniors An opportunity to talk about traffic safety with seniors Non-threatening An opportunity to save lives b. Officers can be certified as instructors. Consider teaching these courses in your own community. Older populations enjoy learning about safety from their local policing agency. NHTSA Older Driver 43 VI. Older Driver Community Relations Programs
2. TRIAD is a partnership of three organizations law enforcement, senior citizens and community groups. The sole purpose of Triad is to promote senior safety and to reduce the unwarranted fear of crime that seniors often experience. With regard to traffic safety, many communities across the country have established special programs to link law enforcement and senior drivers in a positive and constructive way. a. Some Triad Programs have promoted: Emergency information packages Looking in on neighbors File of Life 3. Speakers Bureaus afford officers the opportunity to make structured presentations, paired with question and answer sessions. Such talks can break down the barriers between the public and the officer, making officers more approachable. This has carry-over effects in community policing because the seniors will know that they can call the officer with questions and concerns about activity in their communities. There are many programs in place that have scripted materials that are appropriate for law enforcement. a. Service Organizations [e.g., Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis clubs, etc.] are always looking for speakers. They are a valuable means of disseminating information because members of these organizations have a broad reach across the public and private sectors in the community. Their mission is to serve the community, and their members are willing to embrace the traffic safety mission. b. Senior Gathering Places [e.g., congregate meal sites, VFW halls, senior centers, etc.] are also good venues for law enforcement to go and talk with seniors about safe driving. NHTSA Older Driver 44 VI. Older Driver Community Relations Programs
4. Media Outreach is an important tool for law enforcement to use to promote awareness of their activities in the community. The media, which include newspapers, newsletters, television and radio, can help law enforcement complete its mission. Productive use of media can maximize law enforcement contact with the public. However, if the agency does not communicate well with the media, it is harder to accomplish the mission and the press might play an adversarial role. a. If the agency is interested in reaching out to local media, some of the following activities can help improve media relations: Provide a spokesperson or direct contact to the media Issue timely and effective press releases Maintain a working relationship with the media b. Getting the message to the public, be it for an event or enforcement action, reminds them of what they are expected to do and what they can do to improve traffic safety. Slide 43: Action Plan Worksheet NHTSA Older Driver 45 VI. Older Driver Community Relations Programs
Slide 44: Course Summary VII. Course Review By implementing the steps outlined in this training course, you should be able to effectively: Understand the data Be sensitive to age-related changes Document and cite risking driving behavior for all drivers Make referrals to licensing and other organizations Work with the community NHTSA Older Driver 46 VII. Course Review
Law enforcement has a unique opportunity to save lives and enhance community relations. By calling attention to an at-risk driver, you might be saving his or her life. Writing a citation will get him/her started in the system. Making a referral for re-examination by the licensing authority may help that driver and community stay safe. Law enforcement actions help the families of at-risk seniors understand that they have responsibilities in protecting older drivers from crashes. Knowing that law enforcement has stopped their loved one for a violation is often a call to action for family intervention. This intervention may lead to the transition from unsafe driver to safe passenger. Impaired drivers endanger the public. When law enforcement observes signs of impairment in the operation of a vehicle, the mission must be to prevent the driver from hurting anyone. Establishing a win-win situation is important for both the seniors and law enforcement. When seniors are crash-involved, the consequences are much more serious than for younger people; they are much more likely to be killed or injured. YOUR FUTURE This information will help you by establishing the basic community supports that will allow your parents, your grandparents, and ultimately you, to get around in the community. This is the kind of policing that makes you want to be in your community, and even to grow old there. Gaining the support of the public is important; it is incredibly positive and supportive of the law enforcement mission. By applying what you have learned in this course to your duties in traffic enforcement, you will save lives. NHTSA Older Driver 47 VII. Course Review
NHTSA Older Driver 48 VII. Course Review
COURSE DEVELOPMENT TEAM Dotti Burkett-Dreggors Seminole (FL) Sheriff s Office Pamela Chambers City of Pontiac (MI) Police Department Alyson Coyle Transportation Safety Institute D. Ike Iketani California Highway Patrol Jim Jensen Douglas County (CO) Sheriff s Office Patrick Judge International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards & Training (IADLEST) Bob Ticer Arizona Department of Public Safety Essie Wagner National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) With special assistance from: Cindy Robinson University of Oklahoma Kim Snook Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division Miriam Watson Driver Rehabilitation Institute of Vermont NHTSA Older Driver 49 VII. Course Review