Prompted by Google's latest invention, the car that drives itself, the NYT sought four different perspectives on how to approach the onslaught of aging baby boomers behind the wheel: An M.I.T. scientist, Rand economist, Yale doctor, and AARP VP.
The four present different solutions - from denying there is a problem in the first place because senior have less crashes proportionate to other groups, to "pushing the car" by enhancing 'intelligent technology', to re-engineering the driver herself through the marvels of surgery. Only one presented a clear, livable communities agenda where cars were not necessary.
Joseph F. Coughlin, founder and director of the AgeLab at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, wrote: "Onboard computers warn of possible collisions, compensate for declining vision, and enable active safety systems to take control reducing the impact of a crash. Beyond these innovations is a vision of the driverless car, autonomous of human control and error. " [See YouTube at bottom of this column from AgeLab on the car for the aging driver....or any driver, for that matter].
Elinor Ginzler, senior vice president of AARP, acknowledged the "clear connection between non-driving, and social isolation and deterioration of physical and mental health". And AARP's main solution?
"The bottom line is that we need to make our communities more livable and can start by improving the ways we help people safely and effectively get from one place to another."
Thanks to Kenyon Karl
FULL STORY: Old People on the Roads
Free From AARP: Walk Audit Tool Kit and Worksheets
AARP recently published an all new, 28-page, image-filled guide—and 11 downloadable worksheets—for how to assess and report on the safety and walkability of a street, intersection, or neighborhood.
AARP Releases DIY Walk Audit
An updated 'walk audit toolkit' lets you assess pedestrian safety in your neighborhood and advocate for improvements.
Los Angeles County First to Recommend Resumption of Indoor Masking
Due to the emergence of the more transmissible Delta variant, Los Angeles County's masking guidance goes beyond what the CDC and the state health department recommend for those who are fully vaccinated. St. Louis has joined them.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
The Five Most-Changed American Cities
A ranking of population change, home values, and jobs highlights the nation’s most dynamic and most stagnant regions.
San Diego Adopts First Mobility Master Plan
The plan provides a comprehensive framework for making San Diego’s transportation network more multimodal, accessible, and sustainable.
Housing, Supportive Service Providers Brace for Federal Cuts
Organizations that provide housing assistance are tightening their purse strings and making plans for maintaining operations if federal funding dries up.
Op-Ed: Why an Effective Passenger Rail Network Needs Government Involvement
An outdated rail network that privileges freight won’t be fixed by privatizing Amtrak.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions