Initiatives for the older driver

With 13 percent of licensed drivers in Virginia 65 and older, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is using several visual-aid improvements to help senior motorists as part of its Older Driver Initiative.

These include:

Guide signs

A clearview font and brighter reflective sheeting (right) is being used on new and replacement guide signs. National studies show that using this more readable font improves legibility by 16 percent for older motorists.

Highly visible signage

Yellow-green fluorescent signs are being installed for pedestrian, school and bicycle crossings. High visibility orange signs are used in construction work zones.

Horizontal signs

Interstate shields are being painted on the pavement (right) to help better guide motorists where additional assistance is needed.

Pavement markings

Markings that enhance visibility at night and in the rain in construction zones are being used on a limited basis in some locations. Use of these markings for permanent applications is being tested.

Traffic signs

Improved lettering and more highly reflective guide signs are being used as are more overhead and ground-mounted street name signs at intersections with signals.

Wider pavement markings

Six-inch-wide pavement markings are being used on interstate highways and other high-volume roads instead of four-inch-wide markings.

VDOT continues to be a national leader in its use of older-driver friendly materials that promote safety.

Details (PDF, 1.45 MB)