Assisting the older driver - SWOV

Assisting the older driver
fatality rate of older drivers should not be used to encourage the total group
of older people to stop driving. A shift from the private car to the bicycle will
unquestionably lead to an increase in the general injury rate for older people.
Moreover, as older people have more difficulties walking (to the bus stop)
and cycling, driving is often the only option for independent mobility.
Several studies have found that over 90% of older drivers indicate that giving
up driving would restrict their independence and mobility (Jansen et al.,
2001; Rabbitt, Carmichael, Jones & Holland, 1996).
Driving cessation is not only likely to reduce mobility but also quality of life
(Hakamies‐Blomqvist, Sirén & Davidse, 2004; Harrison & Ragland, 2003).
Driving cessation has been found to decrease the amount of out‐of‐home
activities (Marottoli et al., 2000) and to be related to increased depression
(Fonda, Wallace & Herzog, 2001; Marottoli et al., 1997; Ragland, Satariano &
MacLeod, 2005). It has also been argued that giving up driving has negative
impacts on older person’s identity, feeling of independence, and dignity
(Bonnel, 1999; Burkhardt, Berger & McGavock, 1996; Carp, 1988;
Eisenhandler, 1990; Peel, Westermoreland & Steinberg, 2002). These negative
feelings are related to having to give up something that had been a large part
of their adult life, and was closely identified with their perceived roles in
family and society.
1.7. Conclusions regarding current crash and injury rates
The analyses in this chapter showed that the injury rates and fatality rates of
older drivers increase from the 65th and 60th year respectively. However, the
most important increase in rates occurs only after the 75th year. The fatality
rate of drivers aged 75 and above is the largest of all drivers. Their injury rate
is the second highest, after those aged 18‐24.
A comparison between male and female drivers showed that their oldest age
groups have equally high fatality rates. Their rates are as high as the fatality
rate for young male drivers, who have a much higher fatality rate than
young female drivers. The difference between young male drivers and
drivers aged 75 and above is that the high fatality rate of young men is
mainly the result of a greater involvement in fatal crashes, whereas older
drivers are more vulnerable. Therefore, to lower the fatality rate of older
drivers, secondary safety measures are very important. However, primary
safety measures are also needed, as older drivers appear to be relatively
often legally responsible for the crashes they are involved in.
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