This paper compares crash rates and characteristics of older drivers with and without Alzheimer's disease (AD). 63 drivers with AD and 58 drivers without AD (mean age 77) completed a daily driving diary for 1 week and were asked about their involvement in motor vehicle crashes within the past 5 years. In addition, a collateral source for each participant was asked to document any motor vehicle crashes within the past 5 years, and retrospective state-recorded data on motor vehicle crashes was obtained for each participant. All AD participants were diagnosed as being in mild or very mild stages of AD. Those diagnosed with mild AD reported less roadway exposure (average number of miles driven/year) than did drivers with very mild AD. Results show no statistical difference in the crash frequency of the AD and non-AD groups, even after adjusting for exposure. Drivers with AD had trends toward more at-fault crashes, crashes with injuries, and crashes in which the officer on the scene cited failure to yield. Findings suggest that driving privileges should not be suspended on the basis of diagnosis alone. (A)
Abstract