Traveling the Roads in Rhode Island: An AARP Member Survey Report Prepared by Brittne M. Nelson and Katherine Bridges

Transcription

1 TravelingtheRoads inrhodeisland:an AARPMemberSurvey October2006

2 Traveling the Roads in Rhode Island: An AARP Member Survey Report Prepared by Brittne M. Nelson and Katherine Bridges Copyright 2006 AARP Knowledge Management 601 E Street NW Washington, DC Reprinting with Permission

3 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. We produce AARP The Magazine, published bimonthly; AARP Bulletin, our monthly newspaper; AARP Segunda Juventud, our bimonthly magazine in Spanish and English; NRTA Live & Learn, our quarterly newsletter for 50+ educators; and our website, AARP Foundation is our 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. Acknowledgements AARP staff from the Rhode Island State Office, State and National Initiatives (SNI), Public Policy Institute, and Knowledge Management contributed to the design and implementation of the study. Thanks go to Kathleen Connelly in AARP Rhode Island; Gail Kutner and Estelle Alexander in Knowledge Management; Audrey Straight in SNI Livable Communities; and Robert Hodder in Public Policy Institute-Transportation and Livable Communities. Additional thanks go to Michael Schuster, General Counsel; and Rachelle Cummins, Darlene Matthews, Jennifer Leslie, and Kelly Ko from State Member Research. Brittne Nelson and Kate Bridges from State Member Research designed the survey, managed all aspects of the project and co-authored the report. Thanks also go to Don McLennan of FGI, Inc. who managed the data entry and tabulation of the survey results. For more information, contact Katherine Bridges at (207)

4 Background Over the next 25 years, the 65-plus population is projected to increase. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2030 individuals 65 or older will make up 20 percent of the population compared to 12 percent in 2000 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2000). As Americans continue to age and remain active in their communities, states will need to address older residents capabilities and needs to remain mobile in their community. This mail survey of AARP Rhode Island members explores their experiences, evaluations, and opinions about walking, public transportation, and driving in their local community and statewide. It also examines members opinions about traffic signage, transportation priorities, and improving pedestrian and driving conditions in Rhode Island. AARP conducted the AARP Rhode Island Member Transportation Survey from April through June, A random sample of 2,000 AARP members in Rhode Island, proportionally stratified by three age segments 50 to 59, 60 to 74, and 75+, was selected from AARP s membership database. Each sampled member was contacted about the survey in four ways: a pre-notification postcard, the survey itself, a reminder postcard, and a second survey. Fifty-three percent of the sampled Rhode Island members returned surveys by the cut-off date, providing 1,063 useable surveys for analysis. Thus, the survey has a sampling error of plus or minus 3.1 percent. 1 Survey responses were weighted to reflect the distribution of the age segments in the member population of Rhode Island. As of July 2006, the number of AARP members in Rhode Island was 130,134. A full annotated questionnaire is included in Appendix A. 1 This means that in 95 out of 100 samples of this size, the results obtained in the sample would fall in a range of 3.1 percentage points of what would gave been obtained if every AARP member in Rhode Island age 50 or older had been surveyed. Traveling the Roads in Rhode Island: An AARP Member Survey 1

5 Highlights Nine in ten AARP Rhode Island members drive when they need to go somewhere, one in six walk, and only six percent take public transportation. Seeing signals, signs, and lane markings, as well as night driving, are problems for members who drive, while adequate shelter from the weather while waiting and having a place to sit when waiting are problems for members who use public transportation. AARP Rhode Island members who walk express some dissatisfaction with sidewalk availability, maintenance, and lighting in their community. About one in three members think street or highway and interstate signs are not readable at night. Additionally, three in ten find street or highway and interstate signs confusing. About half of all members say top or high transportation priorities for Rhode Island should revolve around lighting on local streets, highways and interstates; brightness of lane markings, traffic signals, and signs; and longer merge lanes. Fifty-six percent of members who walk say allowing more time to cross the street at crosswalks should be a top or high transportation priority for the state of Rhode Island. Traveling the Roads in Rhode Island: An AARP Member Survey 2

6 Driving Findings Nine in ten Rhode Island members personally drive themselves where they need to go and have driven a car or motor vehicle in the last month. Ninety percent of all AARP Rhode Island members say they drive a car or motor vehicle when they need to get somewhere and have driven a car or motor vehicle in the last month. In a typical week, more than half of all members who drive say they get behind the wheel and drive between one and fifteen times. While some members do not drive much in any given week, many members are covering a lot of miles. One in ten members who have driven in the last month say they drive less than 25 miles in a week, but more than a third of members say they drive at least 100 miles or more per week. Number of Times Behind the Wheel in a Typical Week (n=958) Number of Miles Driven in a Typical Week (n=958) N/A, times, times, 22 Less than 25 miles, 10 N/A, 5 At least 25, < 50 miles, 21 More than 25 times, times, miles or more, 28 At least 50, < 75 miles, times, times, 16 At least 100, <125 miles, 9 At least 75, <100 miles, 10 The majority of AARP Rhode Island members do most of their driving on a combination of secondary roads and highways. Most members who drive take the quickest route to their destination rather than avoid highways or interstates. Three in four members (73) who drive say they do most of their driving on a combination of secondary roads and highways and typically drive on a highway or interstate when it is the quickest route. Only seventeen percent of members who typically drive say they do not drive on a highway or interstate. About half of all members who do not typically drive on a highway or interstate say they prefer a more leisurely and scenic route (57), or believe there is too much traffic (54) or too many trucks (33) on highways or interstates. One in three says they simply don t have a need to drive on highways or interstates (33). Drivers age 75 and older are more likely than younger members to say they do not drive on highways or interstates (75+: 24, 50-59: 13, 60-74: 16). Traveling the Roads in Rhode Island: An AARP Member Survey 3

7 Members are affected by general issues such as poor road conditions and traffic delays as well as impairment-related driving issues such as the size of street sign letters. When asked to consider a list of difficulties people have when driving, most problems are related to conditions on the road. One in three members who drive say traffic congestion, poor road conditions, and faded or worn lane markings are a major problem for them. Problems When Driving (n=958) Poor road conditions Traffic congestion Lane markings are faded or worn Headlight glare from traffic Traffic moving too fast Driving around construction zones Merging into traffic or switching lanes Driving at night Entering or exiting the highway Narrow lanes Seeing signals, signs, and lane markings Major Problem Minor Problem Not a Problem When thinking specifically about driving in their community, the biggest issues identified by members are that problematic road and street conditions are corrected in a timely manner. Six in ten members who drive do not agree that potholes are filled in a reasonable time, nor that street and roads in poor condition are resurfaced in a reasonable amount of time. The following graph shows areas where improvements could be made based on driving members disagreement or agreement with statements about local traffic, roads and streets, and street signs. Traveling the Roads in Rhode Island: An AARP Member Survey 4

8 Improvements Needed: Disagreement or Agreement with Statements About Local Traffic, Roads and Streets, and Street Signs (n=958) Streets & roads that are in poor condition get resurfaced quickly Potholes are filled in a reasonable amount of time Bridges are wellmaintained Street signs are confusing Street signs are missing There are often traffic delays Local traffic moves too fast Stop signs and traffic signals on the side of the road are easy to see Strongly Disagree Somewhat Disagree Neither Somewhat Agree Strongly Agree Traveling the Roads in Rhode Island: An AARP Member Survey 5

9 In spite of problematic road and street conditions, most members who drive say street signs are easy to understand, and stop signs and traffic signals on the side of the road are easy to see. The following graph shows what is working fairly well for member drivers in the area. Working Fairly Well: Disagreement or Agreement with Statements About Local Traffic, Roads and Streets, and Street Signs (n=958) Street signs have large enough letters to see them from a distance Street signs are readable at night There are enough lanes to accommodate all traffic Street signs provide advance warning about upcoming major traffic intersections There is adequate lighting for night driving Street signs are in locations that allow enough time to respond to them Lane markings are clear Street signs are easy to understand Strongly Disagree Somewhat Disagree Neither Somewhat Agree Strongly Agree Traveling the Roads in Rhode Island: An AARP Member Survey 6

10 Driving members opinions about highway or interstate traffic, lane conditions, and signs are similar to those about local traffic, road conditions, and signs. When considering highway or interstate conditions, again about half of all members who drive do not agree that potholes are filled in a reasonable time nor that lanes in poor condition are resurfaced in a reasonable amount of time. In line with findings related to local streets and traffic, six in ten driving members agree that highway traffic moves too fast and there are often traffic delays. Improvements Needed: Agreement or Disagreement with Statements About Highway or Interstate Traffic and Signs (n=958) Potholes are filled in a reasonable amount of time Lanes in poor condition get resurfaced quickly There are enough lanes to accommodate all traffic There is adequate lighting for night driving Signs are not bright enough Traffic moves too fast Highways are congested with traffic There are often traffic delays Strongly Disagree Somewhat Disagree Neither Somewhat Agree Strongly Agree Traveling the Roads in Rhode Island: An AARP Member Survey 7

11 While lane conditions are problematic, most members who drive say highway signs are easy to understand, have large enough letters to see them from a distance, and are in locations that are easy to see and allow enough time to respond to them. However, nearly one third say that highway signs are confusing and too small. Working Fairly Well: Disagreement or Agreement with Statements About Highway or Interstate Traffic and Signs (n=958) 11 Signs are confusing Signs are too small Signs are readable at night Signs are in locations that allow enough time to respond to them Signs and mileage markers are in places easy to see Lane markings are clear Signs provide advance warning about upcoming exits Signs have large enough letters to see them from a distance Signs are easy to understand Strongly Disagree Somewhat Disagree Neither Somewhat Agree Strongly Agree Traveling the Roads in Rhode Island: An AARP Member Survey 8

12 Seven in ten Rhode Island drivers say highway and local signs are easy to understand. Signs are easy to understand Agreement with Statements About Traffic Signage (n=958) Whether driving in their local community or on the highway or interstate, seven in ten Rhode Island members who drive say that street and highway signs are easy to understand. Fewer members say local or highway signs are readable at night, and less than half agree that there is adequate lighting for night driving. Pedestrian Findings Signs are in locations that allow enough time to respond Adequate lighting for night driving Signs are readable at night Signs are confusing Highway/ Interstate One in six Rhode Island members walks to where they need to go. While most members drive when they need to go somewhere, sixteen percent of Rhode Island members say they walk. Members who live in a city are more likely to say they walk than members who live in the suburbs, town, or a rural area (city: 24: suburb/town: 14: rural area: 8). Although most members generally drive, six in ten say they have walked to somewhere in their community in the last year How Members Generally Get Somewhere (N=1,063) Local Community Drive Get a ride w/ family or friends Walk Public transportation Taxi Senior/community van Private driver Transportation provided to people with disabilities No answer Traveling the Roads in Rhode Island: An AARP Member Survey 9

13 Many members who walk have issues with the upkeep of sidewalks in their community; however, the top complaint is about drivers. The top complaint among pedestrian members is drivers. Half of all members who walk in their community say drivers do not stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. Sidewalk maintenance is also a major issue. Four in ten members do not agree that sidewalks are maintained in good condition or that sidewalks are easy to walk on and are free of trash or debris. Additionally, one in three members do not believe sidewalks are well-lit or available where needed. Disagreement or Agreement with Statements About Local Crosswalks and Sidewalks (n=504) Drivers stop for pedestrians in crosswalks Sidewalks are maintained in good condition Sidewalks are easy to walk on and free of trash and debris Sidewalks are well lit Sidewalks are available where needed There are enough pedestrian walkways in highly congested traffic areas. Islands that allow pedestrians to stop partially through crossing a street are available where needed Crosswalk signals allow enough time to cross the street Walkways are clearly marked and easy to see Ramps from the sidewalk to the street are present Crosswalks are available where needed Crosswalk signals are bright and clear Strongly/ Somewhat Disagree Neither Strongly/ Somewhat Agree Traveling the Roads in Rhode Island: An AARP Member Survey 10

14 Public Transportation Findings One in five members aware of public transportation used it in the last six months. The availability of public transportation is an important aspect of a community because it provides mobility to residents who do not drive. While seventy-one percent of all members surveyed say they are aware of public transportation being available in their community, only six percent say they take a public bus, trolley, or commuter train when they need to go somewhere. Rhode Island members age are more likely than younger or older members to say they take public transportation (60-74: 7, 50-59: 6, 75+: 3). About half of all members aware of public transportation (n=815) say the nearest stop is less than ¼ mile from their home. Distance to Nearest Public Transportation Stop From Home (n=815) <1/4 mile, 45 Not sure, 13 One mile or more, 15 At least 1/4 mile, <1/2 mile, 16 3/4 of mile, <1 mile, 4 1/2 mile, <3/4 mile, 8 In the last six months, almost twenty percent of members aware of public transportation have used it at least once. Among those members (n=144), 74 say the lack of adequate shelters from the weather while waiting is a problem, while 64 say inconvenient schedules and not having a place to sit while waiting are problems. Problems When Using Public Transportation (n =144) Adequate shelter from weather while waiting Inconvenient schedules Having a place to sit while waiting Going where I need to go Being worried about a crime Time it takes to use public transportation Accessibility Cost of public transportation Getting fare/ route/ schedule information Stations and vehicles maintenance Difficulty boarding Major Problem Minor Problem Not a Problem Traveling the Roads in Rhode Island: An AARP Member Survey 11

15 Transportation Priorities Most members transportation priorities relate to enhancing visual cues such as adding more lighting and making lane markings clearer. Rhode Island members say making lane markings clearer by reinforcing them with reflectors, allowing more time to merge when driving by adding longer merge lanes, and adding more lighting to local streets and highways and freeways should be Rhode Island s top or high transportation priorities. Fifty-six percent of members who have walked somewhere in their community say allowing more time to cross the street at crosswalks should be a top or high priority. Transportation Priorites (n=958) Make lane markings clearer/reinforced with reflectors Allow more time to merge by adding longer merge lanes Add more lighting to local streets Add more lighting to freeways and highways Make signals and signs brighter Make signs easier to understand Use concrete medians to reduce glare from oncoming traffic Make signals and signs larger Add more rumble strips to keep drivers alert Add larger highway entrance/exit ramps More speed bumps to reduce speeding Top/High Priority Medium Priority Low Priority Not a Priority Traveling the Roads in Rhode Island: An AARP Member Survey 12

16 Enforcing moving violations among drivers is the top member recommendation to improve driving conditions. When members who have driven in the last month were asked in an open ended question what they would recommend to improve driving conditions, better enforcement of moving violations such as speeding and aggressive driving was the top response. The other top responses were better highway maintenance, more signs where needed, and banning cell phone usage while driving. When members who have walked in their community in the last year were asked what they would recommend to improve walking conditions, the issues revolved around sidewalk maintenance and lighting, and increasing the time to cross at crosswalks as well as more working signals. Recommendations to Improve Driving Conditions (n=958) Recommendations to Improve Walking Conditions (n=621*) 16 Better enforcement of moving violations (speeding, aggressive driving, etc.) 18 More paved sidewalks 7 Better highway maintenance 14 Cleanup & repair sidewalks 5 More signs/add road signs where needed 6 Fine as is 5 Ban cell phone usage 5 Police enforcement of speed limits 4 More driver education 4 Lighting at crosswalks & sidewalks 4 More lighting around signs 3 Longer time to cross at crosswalks & working signals 3 Reduce speed limit 3 Bike & walking path additions 3 Give lines in roads more reflectors/ paint 3 Crosswalk improvements lines in road better 2 Speed up road construction 3 More street lights improvements/safety issues 2 Improve exit/entrance ramps 2 Pedestrians have right of way 2 Keep drunk drivers off the road 2 Winter cleanup of sidewalks 24 Other 2 Better sign postings 57 No Answer 9 Other 43 No Answer *Among members who have walked in their community in the last year. Traveling the Roads in Rhode Island: An AARP Member Survey 13

17 Conclusions In the next twenty years, the 65-plus population is projected to increase to 19 percent of Rhode Island s total population (U.S. Census Bureau). Transportation measures that will enable seniors to age in place while remaining active in their community will be critical to Rhode Islanders quality of life. Most AARP Rhode Island members are mobile nine in ten drive themselves around when they need to go somewhere and one in three drives more than twenty times a week. While one in ten drives less than 25 miles in a week, one in three drives 100 or more miles a week. Most members drive on highways or secondary roads and consider poor road conditions, traffic congestion, and faded or worn lane markings major problems when driving. Although most members drive, one in six Rhode Island members walks when they need to go somewhere. Among those who walk, three in ten do not believe sidewalks are well lit or available where needed. Crosswalks are also an issue. One in four do not believe crosswalks allow enough time to cross the street. In fact, fifty-six percent of members who walk say allowing more time to cross the street at crosswalks should be a top or high transportation priority for the state of Rhode Island. While considerably fewer members rely on public transportation, those who have used it at least once in the last six months consider the lack of adequate shelter from the weather and having a place to sit while waiting major public transportation problems. In the future, one of every four drivers will be age 65 or older (National Association of Area Agencies on Aging). States will need to identify and address transportation issues that directly impact older drivers. In this study, road conditions, lane visibility, signage readability, and lighting are major issues for drivers age 50 and older. Seven in ten Rhode Island members who drive say faded or worn lane markings are a major or minor problem for them when driving. Four in ten do not believe street sign letters are large enough to see from a distance, and three in ten do not believe street signs are in locations that allow enough time to respond to them. Additionally, about one in three has difficulties reading street or highway or interstate signs at night, and do not agree there is adequate lighting for night driving. Most members say Rhode Island s top or high transportation priorities should address issues that directly impact them. About half of all members top or high transportation priorities revolve around improving the brightness of lane markings, road conditions, lighting on local streets and highways and interstates, traffic signals, and signs, and longer merge lanes. As the state plans for the future, addressing driving, pedestrian, and public transportation issues from a proactive stand will allow Rhode Island to promote a high quality of life for all Rhode Islanders. Traveling the Roads in Rhode Island: An AARP Member Survey 14

18 References Projections of the Total Population of States: 1995 to United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 3, 2006 at: Projections of the Population, By Age and Sex, of States: 1995 to United States Census Bureau: Retrieved August 3, 2006 at: Table 5. Interim Projections: Population Under 16 and 65 and older: 2000, 2010, U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved August 3, 2006 at: National Association of Area Agencies on Aging. Community Based Approach to Promoting Older Driver Safety. Retrieved August 3, 1006 at: Traveling the Roads in Rhode Island: An AARP Member Survey 15

19 Demographic Characteristics of Respondents (N = 1,063) Age Gender Female Male Income <$20K $20K- <$50K 50K+ Employment Retired Employed Education High school or less Some college College grad+ Marital status Married Widowed Other Race White Black Other Location City Suburb/Small Town Rural Valid Driver's License Yes No Traveling the Roads in Rhode Island: An AARP Member Survey 16

20 APPENDIX A ANNOTATED QUESTIONNAIRE Traveling the Roads in Rhode Island: An AARP Member Survey 17

21 2006 AARP Rhode Island Member Survey AARP Members Weighted N =1,063; Response Rate =53; Sampling Error =+\- 3.1) (Percentages may add to more than 100 due to rounding or multiple response) 1. In general when you need to get somewhere how do you get there? (Check all that apply.) 90 Drive 22 Get a ride with family or friends 16 Walk 2 Take a taxi 6 Take public transportation 2 Take a senior or community van 1 Use a private driver 1 Take transportation provided to people with disabilities who cannot use or get to public transportation 2 No Answer 2. Have you walked to somewhere in your community in the last year? 58 Yes 38 No GO TO QUESTION 7 1 Not sure 3 No Answer 3. Are there sidewalks and crosswalks in your community? 80 Yes 17 No GO TO QUESTION 6 1 Not sure 2 No Answer Traveling the Roads in Rhode Island: An AARP Member Survey 18

22 4. Thinking about walking in your community, how well do you agree or disagree with the following statements about crosswalks and sidewalks? n=504 a. Crosswalk signals are bright and clear... Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Neither Agree nor Disagree Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree Not Applicable No Answer b. Crosswalks are available where needed... c. Crosswalk signals allow enough time to cross the street... d. Walkways are clearly marked and easy to see... e. There are enough pedestrian walkways in highly congested traffic areas f. Sidewalks are well lit g. Sidewalks are maintained in good condition... h. Sidewalks are easy to walk on and free of trash and debris... i. Drivers stop for pedestrians in crosswalks... j. Sidewalks are available where needed... k. Ramps from the sidewalk to the street are present... l. Islands that allow pedestrians to stop partially through crossing a street are available where needed < < < Traveling the Roads in Rhode Island: An AARP Member Survey 19

23 5. Keeping in mind what is most important to you, how much of a priority should it be for the State of Rhode Island to allow more time to cross the street at crosswalks? n= Top priority 32 High priority 25 Medium priority 9 Low priority 6 Not a priority 5 No Answer 6. What would you recommend to improve walking conditions in your community? n= More paved sidewalks 2 Pedestrians have right of way 14 Cleanup & repair sidewalks 2 Winter cleanup of sidewalks 6 Fine as is 2 Better sign postings 5 Police enforcement of speed limits 1 Speed bumps 4 Lighting at crosswalks & sidewalks 1 Don't know 3 Longer time to cross at crosswalks & working signals 3 Bike & walking path additions 7 Other 3 Crosswalk improvements 43 No Answer 3 More street lights 1 More pedestrian control buttons on traffic signals 7. To the best of your knowledge, is there public transportation such as public buses, trolleys, and commuter trains available in your community? (This does not include taxi cabs.) 71 Yes 20 No GO TO QUESTION 11 6 Not sure 3 No Answer 8. How close is the nearest public transportation stop from your home? n= Less than ¼ mile 16 At least ¼ mile but less than ½ mile 8 At least ½ mile but less than ¾ mile 4 At least ¾ mile but less than 1 mile 15 One mile or more 10 Not sure 3 No Answer Traveling the Roads in Rhode Island: An AARP Member Survey 20

24 9. In the last six months, how often have you used public transportation, such as public buses, trolleys, commuter trains, etc. (not taxicabs)? n=815 1 Every day 2 Two or more times a week 1 About once a week 3 Once or twice a month 12 Less than once a month 80 Never GO TO QUESTION 11 2 No Answer 10. The following is a list of some difficulties people have when using public transportation. Thinking about your experience with public transportation, please check whether you consider each of the following a large problem, a moderate problem, a small problem, or no problem at all for you. n=144 Major Minor Not a Problem Problem Problem No Answer a. The time it takes to use public transportation (Such as numerous stops and transferring) b. Accessibility (Such as getting to the stop, highways to cross, or no sidewalks) c. Adequate shelter from the weather while waiting d. Getting information about fares, routes, and schedules... e. Inconvenient schedules (That is, no weekend or evening services)... f. The maintenance of public transportation stations and vehicles g. Difficulty boarding h. Being able to get a seat i. Being worried about crime j. The cost of public transportation k. Having a place to sit while waiting l. Going where I need to go Have you driven a car or motor vehicle in the last month? 90 Yes 7 No GO TO QUESTION 22 3 No Answer Traveling the Roads in Rhode Island: An AARP Member Survey 21

25 12. In a typical week, how many times do you get behind the wheel and drive someplace? n= More than 25 3 No Answer 13. In a typical week, how many miles do you drive? n=958 9 Less than 25 miles 21 At least 25 but less than 50 miles 17 At least 50 but less than 75 miles 10 At least 75 but less than 100 miles 9 At least 100 but less than 125 miles miles or more 2 Don t know 4 No Answer 14. Do most of your driving trips occur on smaller secondary roads, on the highway, or a combination of both? n= Secondary roads 5 Highway 73 Combination of both 4 No Answer 15. The following is a list of some difficulties people have when driving. Thinking about your driving, please check whether each of these is a large problem, a moderate problem, a small problem, or no problem at all for you. n=958 Major Minor Not a No Problem Problem Problem Answer a. Traffic congestion b. Poor road conditions c. Traffic moving too fast d. Driving at night e. Driving around construction zones f. Entering or exiting the highway g. Lane markings are faded or worn h. Narrow lanes i. Headlight glare from oncoming or following traffic j. Merging into traffic or switching lanes k. Being able to see signals, signs, and lane markings Traveling the Roads in Rhode Island: An AARP Member Survey 22

26 16. Thinking about driving in your community, how well do you agree or disagree with the following statements about local traffic, roads and streets, and street signs? n=958 Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Neither Agree nor Disagree Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree N/A a. Street signs are easy to understand b. Lane markings are clear No Answer c. Street signs are readable at night d. Street signs have large enough letters to see them from a distance <.5 5 e. Street signs provide advance warning about upcoming major traffic intersections f. Local traffic moves too fast g. There is adequate lighting for night driving h. Stop signs and traffic signals on the side of the road are easy to see i. Street signs are confusing j. Street signs are in locations that allow enough time to respond to them k. There are often traffic delays l. There are enough lanes to accommodate all traffic m. Potholes are filled in a reasonable amount of time n. Streets and roads that are in poor condition are resurfaced in a reasonable amount of time o. Bridges are well-maintained p. Street signs are missing Traveling the Roads in Rhode Island: An AARP Member Survey 23

27 17. Do you typically drive on a highway or interstate when it is the quickest route to your destination? n= Yes GO TO QUESTION No 1 Not sure 5 No Answer 18. If NO, why not (check all that apply)? n= No need 54 Too much traffic 33 Too many trucks 25 High speed limits 30 Difficulty merging or changing lanes 57 Prefer a more leisurely/scenic route 7 Other 2 No Answer Traveling the Roads in Rhode Island: An AARP Member Survey 24

28 19. Thinking about highway or interstate driving, how well do you agree or disagree with the following statements about highway or interstate traffic and signs? n=958 Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Neither Agree not Disagree Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree a. Highway signs are easy to understand b. Lane markings are clear c. Highway signs are too small d. Highway signs are not bright enough e. Highway signs have large enough letters to see them from a distance... f. Highway signs provide advance warning about upcoming exits g. Highway traffic moves too fast h. There is adequate lighting on the highway for night driving No Answer i. Highway signs and mileage markers are in places that are easy to see j. Highway signs are confusing k. Highway signs are in locations that allow enough time to respond to them l. There are often traffic delays m. There are enough lanes to accommodate all traffic n. Highways are often congested with traffic o. Potholes are filled in a reasonable amount of time p. Lanes that are in poor condition are resurfaced in a reasonable amount of time q. Highway signs are readable at night Traveling the Roads in Rhode Island: An AARP Member Survey 25

29 20. Keeping in mind what is most important to you, how much of a priority should it be for the State of Rhode Island to incorporate the following transportation measures? n=958 Top. High Medium Low Not a No Priority Priority Priority Priority Priority Answer a. Add more rumble strips to keep drivers alert b. Use concrete medians to reduce glare from oncoming traffic c. Add larger highway entrance/exit ramps d. Add more lighting to freeways and highways e. Allow more time to merge with highway traffic by adding longer merge lanes f. Add more lighting to local streets g. Make signs easier to understand h. Add more speed bumps to local streets to reduce speeding i. Make lane markings clearer and reinforced with reflectors j. Make signals and signs larger k. Make signals and signs brighter What would you recommend to improve driving conditions? 16 Better enforcement of moving violations (speeding, aggressive driving, etc.) 3 Give lines in roads more reflectors/ paint lines in road better 7 Better highway maintenance 2 Speed up road construction improvements/safety issues 5 More signs/add road signs where needed 2 Improve exit/entrance ramps 5 Ban cell phone usage 2 Keep drunk drivers off the road 4 More driver education 21 Other 4 More lighting around signs 57 No Answer 3 Reduce speed limit <.5 Don't know About You The following questions are for classification purposes only and will be kept entirely confidential. 22. Are you male or female? 46 Male 50 Female 4 No Answer Traveling the Roads in Rhode Island: An AARP Member Survey 26

30 23. What is your age as of your last birthday? years years years No Answer 24. What is the highest level of education that you completed? th grade (no diploma) 24 High school graduate (or equivalent) 15 Post-high school education (no degree) 10 2-year college degree 14 4-year college degree 6 Post-graduate study (no degree) 14 Graduate or professional degree(s) 7 No Answer 25. What is your current employment status? 3 Self-employed, part-time 3 Self-employed, full-time 9 Employed, part-time 26 Employed, full-time 51 Retired, not working at all 2 Not in labor force for other reasons 1 Unemployed but looking for work 5 No Answer 26. What is your current marital status? 54 Married 2 Not married, living with partner 1 Separated 12 Divorced 21 Widowed 7 Never married 4 No Answer 27. Do you have a valid driver s license? 92 Yes 5 No 4 No Answer Traveling the Roads in Rhode Island: An AARP Member Survey 27

31 28. How would you describe the place you live now - a city, a suburban area around a city, a small town, or a rural area? 25 City 27 Suburb 34 Small town 10 Rural area 4 No Answer 29. Thinking about your state elections for Rhode Island Governor and Legislators in the last ten years, which of the following best describes your voting behavior? 74 Always vote 14 Sometimes miss one 4 Rarely vote 4 Never vote 1 Not sure 2 No Answer 30. What is your race? 93 White-Caucasian 2 Black or African-American <.5 Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander <.5 Asian <.5 American Indian or Alaska Native <.5 Hispanic 1 Other 4 No Answer 31. What is your 5-digit zip code? (WRITE IN YOUR ZIP CODE.) 32. What was your annual household income before taxes in 2005? 4 Less than $10, $10,000 to less than $20, $20,000 to less than $35, $35,000 to less than $50,000 8 $50,000 to less than $60,000 8 $60,000 to less than $75, $75,000 or more 7 Not sure Thank you for completing this survey. Please use the postage-paid envelope and return it to State Member Research, AARP, 601 E Street NW, Washington, DC by June 20, Traveling the Roads in Rhode Island: An AARP Member Survey 28

32 AARP Knowledge Management For more information contact Katherine Bridges