Department: Motor Vehicles
Category: Customer Service, IT
Idea/Initiative Name: Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Senior Public Information Campaign
Objective: Provide customer service information for California's senior drivers. The Senior Public Information Campaign includes useful educational tools for seniors, loved ones, or individuals planning for their future. These tools include information about physical changes affecting driving safely and preventative strategies to help seniors maintain safe driving habits.
Description: The DMV Senior Public Information Campaign includes the Senior Ombudsman Program, Senior Website, Senior Driver Self-Assessment, Senior Guide for Safe Driving, and six brochures with specific information targeted towards seniors. These tools provide information on safe driving practices, vision and other physical changes, public transportation services, driver license renewal, and the effects of medications. The department wants to help senior citizens maintain their driving independence while they can safely drive.
The Senior Ombudsman Program was developed to represent the interest of public safety with a special interest in the concerns of senior drivers. The Ombudsmen assist as a “go-between” ensuring that senior drivers are treated fairly, consistent with laws and regulations, and with the dignity and respect they deserve. The Ombudsmen assist in individual cases and participate in outreach seminars to promote California driver safety with an emphasis on senior issues.
The Senior Website was created to provide information to seniors and promote safe driving. The website utilizes a large font to facilitate easy reading and includes information on driver license renewal, driving test criteria, preparing for the driving test, alternative modes of transportation, and links to other organizations with useful information for senior citizens. The website is located at http://www.dmv.ca.gov/about/senior/senior_top.htm.
The Senior Driver Self Assessment tool, located on the Senior Website, reveals health limitations, unsafe driving practices, and suggested remedial actions. The self-assessment test helps seniors take an active role in making choices for managing their personal safety and the safety of others.
The Senior Guide for Safe Driving provides information to plan for continuing driving safely. The guide is formatted with a large font to facilitate easy reading. The Senior Guide for Safe Driving includes information regarding physical changes affecting safe driving and practical strategies for adapting to these changes.
Results: The DMV Senior Public Information Campaign is receiving positive reviews from senior organizations for practicality and addressing issues important to California’s senior citizens. The print and online educational components of the Senior Public Information Campaign won state, national, and international awards, including numerous American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) awards.