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Road safety education for older drivers : evaluation of a classroom-based training initiative

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Hawley, Carol, Smith, Robert A. and Goodwin, Lacey (2018) Road safety education for older drivers : evaluation of a classroom-based training initiative. Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour, 59 (Part B). pp. 505-523. doi:10.1016/j.trf.2017.11.009 ISSN 1369-8478.

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.trf.2017.11.009

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Abstract

Around the world, a growing proportion of drivers are aged 70 or over. Although accident rates for older drivers are lower than for young or novice drivers, increased frailty and slowed reactions mean that older drivers are at higher risk of death or serious injury when involved in a road collision. The objectives of this study were to: (a) identify driving knowledge and self-regulatory strategies among a group of older drivers with a view to planning future on-road training; (b) measure driver self-assessments of ability and confidence before and after classroom training delivered by driving instructors; (c) evaluate the utility and acceptability of training courses for older drivers using questionnaires and focus groups; d) examine the characteristics of course participants.

142 drivers aged ≥75 completed a two-hour classroom-based driving course and took part in the evaluation: 94 aged 75–79, 48 aged ≥80, 68% male. Main reasons for taking part were to update knowledge, improve driving and check they were safe to drive. Results showed that females were more likely than males to avoid driving in difficult conditions (at night, in bad weather, unfamiliar roads). More drivers aged 75–79 said they did not restrict their driving (52, 57%) compared to drivers aged ≥80 (19, 43%). Pre-course, males rated their driving confidence and ability significantly higher than females. Post-course, self-ratings of confidence and ability were unchanged for 76 (60%) drivers. However, two-thirds reported improved knowledge and 80% said they would change their driving behaviour as a result of the course. Focus group results suggest that competent drivers are more likely to attend educational courses than unsafe drivers. This study provides preliminary evidence that classroom-based training can initiate behaviour change among older drivers. Future research will examine the effectiveness of on-road training in this age group.

Item Type: Journal Article
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HE Transportation and Communications
Divisions: Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine > Medicine > Warwick Medical School > Health Sciences
Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine > Medicine > Warwick Medical School
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH): Older automobile drivers, Automobile driver education, Traffic accidents -- Prevention
Journal or Publication Title: Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour
Publisher: Elsevier
ISSN: 1369-8478
Official Date: November 2018
Dates:
DateEvent
November 2018Published
6 December 2017Available
10 November 2017Accepted
Volume: 59
Number: Part B
Page Range: pp. 505-523
DOI: 10.1016/j.trf.2017.11.009
Status: Peer Reviewed
Publication Status: Published
Access rights to Published version: Restricted or Subscription Access
Date of first compliant deposit: 16 March 2018
Date of first compliant Open Access: 6 December 2019
RIOXX Funder/Project Grant:
Project/Grant IDRIOXX Funder NameFunder ID
UNSPECIFIEDDorset Road SafeUNSPECIFIED

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