TO: Mayor and Commissioners
FROM: Jeffrey S. Goldman, Police Department
THROUGH: Chief Neal de Jesus, Interim City Manager
DATE: February 21, 2017
Title
GRANT APPLICATION/FDOT/AGING ROAD USERS PROGRAM
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Recommended Action:
Recommendation
Motion to Approve application for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) FY 17/18 Aging Road Users program. If awarded, the FDOT reserves the right to award any amount up to the requested total of $50,000.
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Background:
The Police Department is requesting approval to submit an application for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) FY 17/18 Aging Road Users program. Funding from this grant provides for overtime salary for officers that will engage in educational activities associated with this program.
As of 2015, the population of Delray Beach consists of 63,939 residents (U.S. Census Bureau Facts). According to the Census Bureau, 23.6% of the residents in Delray Beach are 65 years of age or older. According to FDOT, the elderly drivers are faced with declining physical and cognitive conditions, visual impairment, and decreased range of motion which hinders mobility. When elderly drivers are involved in a crash, loss of physical strength can increase chances of serious bodily injuries and death. In 2016, there were 3,803 crashes recorded in the City of Delray Beach. Of those 3,803 crashes, 23 of those drivers were cited to be re-examined. According to the FDOT's Highway Safety Matrix, in 2016 Delray Beach ranked 13th out of 99 cities in the county for cities with a population of 15,000-74,999 in regards to drivers over the age of 65. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of deaths in the U.S. In 2015, more than 35,000 people died from motor vehicle crashes compared to 32,000 in 2014. (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)
Based on information from FDOT, educating both elderly drivers and their families about the risk of driving while certain medical and physical conditions exist could lower the amount of injuries and fatalities in elderly involved crashes. Under this program, the Delray Beach Police Department's Traffic Unit would conduct educational presentations in the elderly communities of Delray Beach, to educate elderly drivers about the hazards of driving their vehicles when declining medical and physical conditions are present. The Traffic Unit will also provide education on how negative cognitive conditions and the consumption of various medications while driving can put their lives at risk. When it is determined that at-risk driver needs additional resources, the Traffic Unit will recommend information from the Florida Highway Safety Motor Vehicles website which provides information about the Florida Senior Safety Resource Center (Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center) located in Boca Raton. The center offers in-office assessments and on-road evaluations.
If FDOT approves our application, any amount up to requested $50,000 can be awarded to our agency for the education efforts. The activities under this grant, if awarded, will start in fiscal year 17/18.
City Attorney Review:
Approved as to form and legal sufficiency.
Finance Department Review:
Finance recommends approval.
Funding Source:
During the budget process for FY 17/18, funding in 001-2111-521-14.20 (General Fund: Reimbursable overtime) account will be requested.
Timing of Request: