Relationship Between Subjective Health Evaluation and Driver Behavior in Older Drivers Sample

Abstract

Older driver age is associated with higher risk of traffic accidents and injuries. However not age but health variables are the main reasons of unsafe driving in older age. The aim of this study was to evaluate relationship between subjective health evaluation, risk perception and driver behavior in a sample of older drivers. Methods. 74 drivers (41.9% males, 58.1% females) age range 50-78 (M-57.7, SD-6.8) participated in the study. Participants completed Drivers Behavior Questionnaire (DBQ, Reason et al. 1990), answered questions about their health (Goštautas, 1999) and driving safety. Findings. Older drivers (age>61) did not rate themselves as more risky drivers compared with middle age drivers (age 50-60). However older drivers reported receiving more negative remarks about their driving from their passengers. Older drivers reported more driving errors and lapses but they didn’t differ significantly on intentional violations of traffic rules. Better evaluation of health was related to less driving errors and lapses independently from drivers’ age. Discussion. Older drivers’ perception of their changing driving skills and importance of health variables will be discussed.