Older car owners : the use of their cars by others.

Driving continues to be the primary mode of transportation for Americans of all ages, including older persons. According to a recent survey, driving is the most common mode of transportation for more than four out of five (86 percent) adults age 50 and older. Most Americans who own a car have auto insurance; in fact, only five states do not require car owners to carry liability auto insurance. Auto insurance covers the car(s) owned by the driver, regardless of who is driving the car at the time of an accident. Auto insurance policies generally require that owners identify all drivers who will be driving their car frequently, such as spouses and children. However, some insurance claims are a result of accidents by “unknown drivers,” that is, drivers who are not included on the car owners’ auto insurance policies. Industry estimates suggest that up to 4 percent of loss claims are due to “unknown drivers.” The primary purpose of this study was to learn more about “unknown drivers,” including who they are and why they drive older persons’ cars. However, a secondary analysis of the data revealed much about the older car owners themselves. While there is extensive research examining issues of mobility, driving cessation, and transportation alternatives, little is known about the circumstances in which older car owners allow someone else to drive their cars. The question arises as to whether older persons having someone else drive their cars adds to or subtracts from transportation safety—the safety of owners, drivers, and the general public. Given Americans’ dependency on the automobile, does this practice contribute to “smart” driving cessation, that is, is it a strategy that an older car owner uses to maintain social activities without driving in unsafe situations (for some drivers, nighttime or rush hour, for example). For some older persons, having someone else drive their car may be a way to begin to drive less without being a burden, and still remain active. Conversely, does this practice allow unsafe drivers to “get by” without a car and auto insurance and, therefore, place both car owner and driver at increased risk? This study examines such questions. (Author/publisher)