Non-Illness-Related Factors Contributing to Traffic Safety in Older Drivers: A Literature Review.

Background/Study Context: Older drivers are at increased risk of becoming involved in car crashes. Contrary to well-studied illness-related factors contributing to crash risk, the non-illness-related factors that can influence safety of older drivers are underresearched. Methods: Here, the authors r...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:Experimental Aging Research Vol. 41; no. 3; pp. 325 - 361
Autores principales: Nef, Tobias, Bieri, Rahel, Müri, René M., Mosimann, Urs P.
Formato: meta analysis research systematic review tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: Taylor & Francis Ltd May/Jun2015
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
Descripción
Sumario:Background/Study Context: Older drivers are at increased risk of becoming involved in car crashes. Contrary to well-studied illness-related factors contributing to crash risk, the non-illness-related factors that can influence safety of older drivers are underresearched. Methods: Here, the authors review the literature on non-illness-related factors influencing driving in people over age 60. We identified six safety-relevant factors: road infrastructure, vehicle characteristics, traffic-related knowledge, accuracy of self-awareness, personality traits, and self-restricted driving. Results: The literature suggests that vehicle preference, the quality of traffic-related knowledge, the location and time of traffic exposure, and personality traits should all be taken into account when assessing fitness-to-drive in older drivers. Studies indicate that self-rating of driving skills does not reliably predict fitness-to-drive. Conclusions: Most factors discussed are adaptable or accessible to training and collectively may have the potential to increase traffic safety for older drivers and other road users.