Focus groups (16) representing older drivers, older driving couples, older former drivers, and adult children of older drivers were held in a rural as well as an urban area. The purpose of the focus groups was to learn about older drivers' changing abilities, perceived risk, plans for the future, reactions to testing, and reactions to the possibility of a driving self-evaluation instrument. Results showed that older drivers were aware of some of their declining perceptual, cognitive, and psychomotor abilities, although they did not seem fully aware of the risks involved. Few older drivers had made plans regarding their driving futures, with most assuming or hoping that they could continue to drive. All groups supported the idea of mandatory, periodic testing for license renewal after a particular age (about 70). Although somewhat sceptical, many older drivers said they would be willing to use a self-evaluation instrument and they, as well as the adult children of older drivers, thought it could be helpful for older drivers making decisions about driving. (A)
Samenvatting