A literature review was undertaken to identify what are the key older driver issues, what is currently known and unknown about older driver safety, and areas requiring further research. This was done to help government agencies and other organisations adopt a strategic approach to older road user safety. The review identified a number of key health, licensing and mobility issues relevant to older drivers and a number of research and management topics requiring further consideration. Research issues of high priority included monitoring of crashes involving older drivers; the ability of older people to self-regulate their driving behaviour; the development of adequate screening tests for older drivers; the role of highway design for older drivers; older drivers as a cause of crashes; and the collection of comprehensive exposure data on older drivers' road usage. Management priorities included improved guidelines for licence referral; establishment of a pilot re-licensing program similar to that proposed by the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration in the USA; a handbook that provides advice and recommendations on retiring from driving; provision of a manual on highway design for older drivers; an older driver handbook; and improvement in labelling medicine for older people that adversely affects driving ability. (A)
Abstract