AGEING AND DRIVING - DECREASING MENTAL AND PHYSICAL ABILITIES AND INCREASING COMPENSATORY ABILITIES?

The increased population of aged drivers raises the question of driver suitability for older people. Risk factors increasing with age and compensation strategies are discussed. As developments concern both changes in mental and physical performance and changes in the personal situation and personality, the conclusion is drawn that a professional assessment is necessary which considers several dimensions. Results of psychophysiological performance tests and driving tests will be described. The validity of performance tests regarding driver behavior is discussed based on empirical results. Guidelines for performance assessment and interpretation of test results will be presented. Personality assessment is proposed as a necessary supplementary information to performance data. Strategies for personality assessment based on standardized personality tests and on results of semi structured interviews are described. Indicators favorable for risk compensation and indicators for additional risks are listed. The need for comprehensive interpretation of the data obtained is pointed out. Decisive rules and recommendations for older drivers finish this paper.