During the Autumn of 1990, a study was initiated to collect information concerning the characteristics and driving patterns of drivers aged 70 years or more. The long-term aim of the study was to determine the type of information or practical assistance which would be of benefit to drivers as they grow older. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 269 current drivers focusing on the topics of driving licences, health and medication, past driving experience, current mileage and car use. Results supported previous findings that many drivers over 70 years old are aware of the changes associated with ageing and adjust their driving activities to situations in which they feel safe. Most importantly, the wide variations between the driving activities reported by drivers in this study confirm that age alone cannot be used as the determinant of an individual's ability to drive safely.
Abstract