How the 'Every Ride Counts' Campaign Hopes to Help Older Americans Who Can't Drive

A poll from the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC) found 86 percent of caregivers are concerned about how well their older loved one drives and believe the time is coming or even has passed when driving is unsafe, reports Deseret News . Over one in five older adults do not drive, and 600,000 stop driving every year. Obstructions to transportation include lack of a "go-to" single source to learn about alternative transportation options, as well as the cost of such options, assuming they are available. Eighty percent of older respondents do drive, while 58 percent ride with family and friends and 54 percent walk "sometimes or often." Only 15 percent use public transit, and 10 percent use a cab service; no more than 33 percent older adults said they know about community transportation options and 41 percent said they lack "good alternative transportation options" if they cannot drive. NADTC has launched an "Every Ride Counts" campaign to highlight local transportation options for vulnerable adults who need help with transportation. Easter Seals' Nancy Goguen says the campaign's seeks to improve and ensure people's awareness about accessibility options. Much of the program involves technical assistance, such as providing images and ads to which local programs can add their contact, for example.