The Ageing Driver Questionnaire (ADQ) was designed to be comprehensive and wide ranging, in terms of its range of topics and its sample size. Sections within its questionnaire concern respondents' general background, specific driving history, current driving habits and behaviours, attitudes towards driving, self-perception of skill level, and opinions about the stereotype of what an older driver is and a range of measures aimed at improving road safety. As an independent study, the ADQ provides extensive information about older people and driving. 600 of its respondents have also taken a battery of laboratory tests related to driving, and 200 will also take an on-road test. This paper introduces the sample group of the ADQ, describes its main characteristics, and describes responses to sections of the questionnaire about frequency and main purpose for using cars, and about restriction in driving habits. The characteristics of the sample members that are described are age, gender, geographical distribution, educational level, socioeconomic status, and driving history and background. Food shopping was given as the main reason for car usage, but there was also rather high driving for pleasure. Older people were also found more likely to avoid driving in peak periods, at night, and in more challenging road situations.
Abstract