Older Drivers\u2019 Self-Regulation and Exposure

NHTSA - Behavioral Safety Researchhttps://doi.org/10.21949/15259772020PDFTech ReportThomas, DennisGraham, Lindsey A.Finstad, Kraig A.Wright, Timothy J.Blomberg, Richard D.Lococo, Kathy H.Gish, Kenneth W.Staplin, LorenStutts, Jane C.Wilkins, JeanCrompton, CyndeeSifrit, Kathy J.Dunlap and Associates, Inc.TransAnalytics, LLCUnited States. Department of Transportation. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Office of Behavioral Safety ResearchUnited States. Department of Transportation. National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationUnited StatesAged driversHigh risk driversAutomatic data collection systemsGlobal Positioning Systemolder drivernaturalistic drivingGPS trackingDOT HS 812 930293/319-1DTNH2216D00023 Task OrderDTNH2217F00107Sifrit, KathyFinal ReportThis study\u2019s goal was to gain insights into the extent to which older adults appropriately self-regulate their driving behaviors as their functional skills decline. The study examined relationships among functional abilities as assessed by a clinical test battery, behind-the-wheel (BTW) driving performance as measured during an on-road evaluation, and naturalistic driving behaviors (exposure) captured by video and tracking devices over a month of naturalistic driving. Many of the functional assessment measures predicted performance on the BTW evaluation. Notably, reduced visual acuity and contrast sensitivity, as well as poorer scores on Trail Making Tests A and B, simple and choice reaction times, and Snellgrove Maze Test completion times reliably predicted worse BTW performance. Analyses of the exposure data showed that many of the participants who exhibited poorer performance on the functional and BTW assessments limited their driving to less demanding contexts. Worse functional and BTW performance were associated with participants driving less in demanding driving contexts, especially higher speed and nighttime driving. The findings suggest that many people who experience functional declines may regulate to a certain extent when, where, and how they drive. However, some of those with the poorest functional and/or BTW scores did not appear to limit their driving.129