HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AARP Pennsylvania today praised Congressman Jason Altmire's (PA-4) floor speech last night in support of H.R. 3355, the Older Driver and Pedestrian Safety and Roadway Enhancement Act.

"AARP research shows one in four drivers will be 65 or older by 2025," said AARP Pennsylvania State Director Dick Chevrefils. "We strongly endorse this legislation and applaud Representative Altmire for recognizing that making roads safer for older drivers will make them safer for everyone."

Introduced by Rep. Altmire in July, the Older Driver and Pedestrian Safety and Roadway Enhancement Act will:

• Invest $500 million annually in roadway safety infrastructure to meet improved federal highway design handbook standards for older drivers and pedestrians, effectively making roadways across the nation safer for all Americans.
• Create a position of Special Assistant for Older Adult Safety and Mobility in the Office of the Secretary of Transportation to contribute an age related focus to DOT activities and programs related to transportation safety, research and services.
• Improve federal standards for roadway signs and road markings to accommodate the vision needs of an older population. The effect will be signs and road markings that are more visible for all.
  

"We encourage Congress to act quickly on H.R. 3355," Chevrefils said. "We urge our representatives to put people first by making road signage and intersections safer for drivers of all ages."

AARP has 1.9 million members in Pennsylvania. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 35.5 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's 40 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

    For more information contact:       Steve Gardner, AARP PA
                                       (717) 237-6481 or sgardner@aarp.org 

SOURCE AARP Pennsylvania

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