PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

Between 1988 and 1998 the number of people aged 65 and older grew from 30 to 34 million, a nationwide increase of about 14 percent. During this same period in Colorado, this group increased from 311,000 to 402,000, an increase of 29 percent. The 65-plus population will grow by over 50 percent between now and 2020. In 1998, older people made up nine percent of the resident population but accounted for fourteen percent of all traffic fatalities.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The Recreational Vehicle (RV) Safety Clinic was a joint effort between the Federal Highway Administration, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the Colorado Recreational Vehicle Association. The specific goals of the clinic were to:

• Provide outreach about the importance of occupant protection for older drivers

• Stress the importance of highway safety to the RV industry and dealers, and thereby gain new safety partners

• Teach RV drivers about vehicle systems and how they affect the safety of the vehicle on the highway

• Teach RV drivers about the human factors that affect their ability to safely operate the vehicle

STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES

The explosive growth of the recreational vehicle industry in recent years coupled with the “graying” of America presents a unique opportunity for outreach. The RV Safety Clinic was conducted on June 17, 2000, with the assistance of numerous Federal and State agencies, public organizations, private companies, and individuals. Those who attended the clinic heard from experts on topics such as the effects of aging on vision, mobility and physical limitations; vehicle systems (propane, tires, etc.); occupant protection and child passenger safety; driving large vehicles; and vehicle recalls.

Activities included expert presentations, information booths, vehicle inspections and weighing, and a driving competition. The following is a brief listing of the individuals, companies, and agencies that participated:

• Dr. Frank Gardner, D.O.

• Industrial Expositions, Inc.

• Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association

• Colorado State Patrol

• Colorado Dept. of Transportation

• General Services Administration

• US Federal Protective Service

• Federal Railroad Administration

• Colorado Department of Revenue

• Regional Transportation District

• NHTSA - Odometer Fraud Division

• Eaglerock RV, Inc.

• Adaptive Driver Services, Inc.

• A Weigh We Go, Inc.

• Denver Department of Human Services

• South Metro Fire Rescue

• Columbine Ambulance Service

• Western Distributing Transportation Corp.

RESULTS

The clinic received very positive feedback from both the attendees and topical experts who made presentations. Additionally, the new RV industry partners are now promoting Buckle Up America. Current plans are to repeat the clinic in Colorado in FY 2001, and also conduct similar clinics in North Dakota and Utah.

   FALL 2001