Older adults’ perceptions and behaviors on driving: A mixed method study

Abstract

Understanding older adults' driving behavior based on their personal assessment, along with challenges they encounter when driving will support community leaders and policymakers to develop effective supportive strategies for their safety on the road. This study uses a mixed methodology approach, including a survey and an interview to examine older drivers' perceptions and concerns regarding their driving habits. Collecting data from cities in Texas and Nevada, to achieve diverse perspectives on older adults who live in environments with different land use patterns and road geometry.

Using the survey to understand the older adults' self-evaluated driving skills, where most consider themselves very good drivers even though they have some challenges, based on the roads, their reflexes changing over the years, and the impact of their physical and cognitive health. Supplementing the survey results with the interview allows the study to identify older drivers' major challenges including adverse weather, construction sites, and in-vehicle distractions. Supporting that visual and cognitive challenges are limiting older adults’ driving patterns (e.g., not driving at night).

To avoid any conflicts with aggressive drivers, the older adults are passively driving, and if accessible, utilizing in-vehicle technologies to increase their safety. However, older drivers suggested that all drivers, particularly younger drivers, should have access to more educational materials. They recommended that older adults' licensing requirements should be evaluated based on their health condition rather than age. Participants’ concern regarding roadway infrastructure elements and driver behavior can be resolved through improvements in road design and driver education.