Assisting the older driver - SWOV

Assisting the older driver
1.3. Crash types of older drivers
The crash types that are over‐represented among crashes for which older
drivers are legally responsible can be identified by comparing the general
ratio between the number of legally responsible and ʺinnocentʺ drivers of an
age group (see Table 1.1) with the same ratios for the various causes of
crashes and the related intended movements. The cause and intended
movement of the legally responsible driver are considered to give a
description of the crash type. In this, the behavioural approach is
emphasized; which behaviour of the responsible driver led to the crash. Had
other crash specifications been used, such as frontal collision versus side
collision or collision with an object, the available data would not have made
it possible to include the legal responsibility of the driver into the
comparison.
The causes and intended movements distinguished in the Dutch crash
database are of great diversity. In order to maintain a clear view, the causes
and intended movements were divided into categories (see Table 1.2). These
categories were partly based on the crash types that are quoted in the
literature on over‐represented crash types among older drivers. Note,
however, that the registration of crashes is done by the police. The available
classification of crash causes is therefore predominantly based on legal
grounds. Behaviours that are included in the category ‘Behavioural mistakes’
include ʹspeedingʹ, ʹovertakingʹ, ʹwrongly joining/exitingʹ, ʹtailgatingʹ, and
ʹwrong position on carriagewayʹ.
In comparison with the general ratios of legally responsible and innocent
drivers in the various age groups (i.e. those mentioned in the category ‘All
crashes’), the following crash types appear to be over‐represented in the
crashes that older drivers are considered legally responsible for:
• crashes at intersections,
• not yielding,
• fatigue/illness,
• turning left,
• turning round,
• joining/exiting through‐traffic.
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