Drivers aged 65 years and over are over-represented in serious injury and fatal crashes in this country and elsewhere and these figures are expected to increase up to threefold with the projected increase in the proportion of the elderly in the population. It is unclear, however, whether these crash data reflect over-exposure to risky situations, the frailty of the elderly, their driving behaviour, or other factors. On the whole, older drivers are considered a safe and cautious group, however, as people age, there are declines in sensory, cognitive and motor skills that can affect the ability to drive safely. The purpose of this report is to review current literature on driving reduction, restriction and cessation. It identifies and discusses factors that may influence the process of self-regulation and eventual cessation of driving, including the role of educational programs aimed to improve the effectiveness of this practice for older drivers. The review suggests that there are serious gaps in our knowledge about the incidence and process of self-regulation in this country and about the effectiveness of self-regulatory practices in reducing crashes both here and elsewhere. (Author/publisher)
Abstract