A Survey Based Study of Factors Related to Older driver Highway Safety

In the past, many studies have analyzed crash data to identify various factors contributing to older driver highway safety. However, it is also necessary to identify other types of safety related issues that cannot be extracted from crash data. Therefore, a questionnaire was prepared and a survey was conducted to identify those issues and difficulties, which could not typically be identified using crash data. Based on the responses, a detailed examination was carried out to understand different behavioral changes in older drivers with respect to various conditions. Based on the survey results it was found that left turns appear to be the most challenging maneuvering task for older drivers. Those drivers older than age 70 years were highly involved in crashes, and those with elevated income levels and education had higher involvement in crashes as well. Older male drivers indicated higher levels of difficulties in stopping, stopped waiting to turn, or slowing down situations. On the other hand, females showed higher levels of difficulty associated with identifying speeds and distance of oncoming traffic compared to males. Findings of this study could be used to develop more focused programs toward improving older driver safety.