Study finds new signs and signals lead to safer roads for older drivers in Michigan

A study conducted by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Western Michigan University has found that new signs and signals make road conditions safer for older drivers.

It was found that the number of drivers aged 65 and above who were involved in road accidents in the state increased by 2.4% from 2004 to 2013, even when the number of all drivers involved in crashes has dropped by 23.8% during this period.

MDOT began implementing measures to address the requirements of older drivers since 2004.

These measures include the use of Clearview font on guide signs, which improve legibility by reducing blurring around the edges of the letters, use of fluorescent yellow sheeting to make warning signs look more visible, box span signal configuration, in which traffic signals are suspended along all four sides of an intersection to boost safety and visibility.

Furthermore, pedestrian countdown signals were installed. These signals indicate the number of seconds remaining to safely cross the roadway, thereby helping pedestrians decide whether to cross an intersection or adjust their walking speed.

The department also has installed arrow-per-lane signing wherein navigation paths are clarified with a directional arrow at highway lane.

MDOT strategic highway safety engineer Kimberly Lariviere said: "The benefit-cost ratio for all of these previously used devices was very good, and some were exceptional.

"This research confirms that the improvements MDOT started making 11 years ago for older drivers were wise investments that we should continue implementing."

For the study, researchers surveyed 1,590 drivers and pedestrians in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Lansing to understand their perceptions of the improvements.

Furthermore, historical crash data, before and after implementation, were analysed to determine the impacts of the improvements on safety.