Enhancement of Driving Performance Among Older Drivers

The purpose of this research was to determine whether an education program consisting of classroom and on-road training could enhance driving performance. A randomized, controlled trial with blinded endpoint assessment was conducted. The study participants included 126 community-living drivers 70 years of age and older who were recruited from clinic and community sources. Participants randomized to intervention underwent two four-hour classroom and two one-hour on-road sessions focused on common problem areas for older drivers. Controls received one-on-one sessions directed at vehicle, home, and environment safety. A written test was given and driving performance was assessed at the baseline and eight weeks later. An experienced evaluator in a dual-brake-equipped vehicle assessed on-road driving performance in urban, residential, and highway traffic. Driving performance was rated on a 36-item scale with potential scores ranging from 0 to 72 (higher scores were better). The written test included 20 knowledge and 8 road-sign questions and was scored from 0 to 28. Results of the study, as indicated by the least-squares mean change in the road-test scores relative to the baseline, show that this change was 2.87 points higher in the intervention than in the control group (p=0.001). The least-squares mean change in the written-test scores relative to the baseline was 3.45 points higher in the intervention than in the control group (p<0.001). It is concluded that an education program consisting of classroom and on-road training targeted to common errors older drivers make enhanced their performance on written and on-road tests. Such interventions may allow older drivers to continue driving safely for longer and maintain their out-of-home mobility.

• Record URL:
  • https://aaafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/EnhancingSeniorDrivingPerfReport.pdf
• Summary URL:
  • https://aaafoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Enhancement-of-Driving-Performance-Among-Older-Drivers-Report-Fact-Sheet.pdf
• Corporate Authors:

  Yale University and VA Connecticut

  Geriatrics, TMP 15
  20 York Street
  New Haven, CT  United States  06504

  AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety

  607 14th Street, NW, Suite 201
  Washington, DC    20005
• Authors:
  • Marottoli, Richard A
• Publication Date: 2007-10

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 66p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aged drivers; Driving; Education and training; Highway safety; Mobility; Performance; Quality of life; Traffic safety
• Subject Areas: Education and Training; Highways; Safety and Human Factors; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01080035
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, ATRI
• Created Date: Oct 25 2007 10:27AM