Older Pedestrians Aren't Accommodated By Traffic Signals

 In many cases, there isn't enough time for aging pedestrians to get across the street, according to a new study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. In several communities researched, if a signal was timed according to the manual on Uniform Traffic Control Device [MUTCD], more than 15 percent of older pedestrians would not have enough time to cross the street. The study concluded that those aged 65 and older tend to walk at least half a foot per second slower than their younger counterparts, and in some locations much slower than that. For a busy six-lane urban street, or four-lane street with on-street parking, this would mean that an older pedestrian would still have almost another full lane to cross compared to a younger counterpart who would have made it across in the allotted time. Researchers determined that modifying a signal's timing could be done without causing excessive delays in motor vehicle traffic. But at the most congested intersections, modifying the signal timing would be more difficult.

Insurance regulations may promote highway fatalities. Because some consumers must pay higher insurance rates to subsidize bad drivers, these insurance subsidies encourage risky behavior which leads to increased property loss. Looking solely at the effects of encouraging bad driving, these subsidies have contributed up to 10,000 traffic deaths over the last 10 years. Despite recent survey findings that consumers disapprove of these subsidies, they in turn result in higher premiums for all consumers. According to the American Consumer Institute Consumer Gram the public consequences go beyond money.

 Consumer Gram urges states to rethink these cross-subsidies schemes and instead, set insurance premiums commensurate with risk. Another solution to ending these cross-subsidies is to embrace federal regulations, which is called an optional federal charter. This charter would allow consumers to opt out of these state regulatory themes, would reduce cross-subsidies, and improve public safety. It would give consumers more choice. reduce public endangerment, and lower insurance premiums.

 With Respect Eagle Bear

Be life long or short, its completeness depends on what we live for. -David Jordan, Writer

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