Evaluating older drivers’ skills

Abstract

Research has demonstrated that older drivers pose a higher risk of involvement in fatal crashes at intersections than younger drivers. Age-triggered restrictions are problematic as research shows that the majority of older people have unimpaired driving performance. Thus, it has become important to be able to identify which drivers are at risk of crashes and apply driving limitations based on this risk (instead of age alone). The objective of this project was to review the report from the 2003 University of Florida Consensus Conference as well as other important documents on similar topics, and to interview experts to obtain information about the strengths and weaknesses of these specialist-administered screening and assessment tools, self-screening instruments and training methods. This report will help to guide future research by highlighting tools and methods commonly used by clinicians that have not yet been adequately evaluated and those which may already be recommended for use. The goal was not to reach consensus but to provide a rich background from the literature combined with expert opinions in an attempt to guide decisions and research goals related to these evaluation tools.