This research has provided information for the development of road safety initiatives targeting the specific issues for older female driver groups, particularly educational resources presenting information on maintaining safe mobility. Recommendations for such a resource include: ways to reduce crash risk such as recognising the signs of reduced driving ability and adapting driving to capabilities, maintenance of up-to-date driving experience, and gaining confidence in driving; ways to successfully reduce and stop driving at the right time; and ways to maintain mobility after driving cessation including exploration of different lifestyle choices and alternative transport options. The findings also highlighted the need for further research to i) examine the role of functional ability in crash risk amongst older female drivers in more depth, ii) strengthen the current findings by comparing the experiences of older female drivers in other jurisdictions, comparing the experiences of older male drivers, and expanding the sample of former drivers to investigate fully the mobility consequences of stopping driving. (Author/publisher)
Abstract