This scientific poster describes a case-control study. The hypothesis was tested that older drivers who are injured in motor vehicle crashes are more likely to have visual and cognitive impairments compared to non-crash involved drivers. Cases and controls were identified from Alabama Department of Public Safety (ADPS) files. Cases were residents of Jefferson County, Alabama, aged 55 and older who incurred at least one motor vehicle crash related injury between 1985 and 1990. Two control groups were selected from ADPS files, one consisting of those who were involved in non-injury producing crashes and the other consisting of non-crashers. Eligible persons were contacted and invited to participate in the study. The exploratory study identified two vision-related variables as correlates of injurious motor vehicle crashes in the elderly. Subjects with reductions in useful field of view, a comprehensive measure reflecting visual sensory function, processing speed and attention were more likely to have sustained an injurious crash. Self-reported glaucoma was also identified as an independent risk factor. The implications of these results are twofold: (1) these measures could serve to identify high-risk older drivers; and (2) they represent modifiable risk factors through interventions to reduce motor vehicle related morbidity and mortality in the elderly. (A)
Abstract