30 Nov Most Older Drivers Do Not Take Advantage of Car Adaptations Which Make Driving Safer

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Tara Kelley-Baker PhD
Data and Information Group Leader
AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?

Background on LongROAD

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety (AAAFTS) launched the Senior Driver Initiative in 2012 in an effort to better understand and meet the safe mobility needs of older adult drivers. A multidisciplinary research team from six institutions was formed to design and implement the Longitudinal Research on Aging Drivers (LongROAD) study.

The aims of the study are to better understand:

• 1) major protective and risk factors of safe driving;
• 2) effects of medical conditions and medications on driving behavior and safety;
• 3) mechanisms through which older adults self-regulate their driving behaviors to cope with functional declines;
• 4) the extent, use, and effects of new vehicle technology and aftermarket vehicle adaptations among older drivers; and
• 5) determinants and health consequences of driving cessation during the process of aging.

Background on “In-Vehicle Technologies and Aftermarket Adaptations” Study

Recent research has proposed that in-vehicle technologies may support older drivers in staying on the road longer by assisting them in areas where they are experiencing functional declines.  Further, aftermarket vehicle modifications and adaptive equipment which have been available and used for decades also may to assist drivers with functional impairments and make driving more comfortable.

The use of advanced, in-vehicle technologies and aftermarket vehicle modifications could make driving safer and more enjoyable for older adults. This LongROAD study specifically focused on identifying the types of in-vehicle technologies that are being used by older drivers and understanding how they are used, learned, and perceived of in terms of their safety benefits. Additionally, this study explored the prevalence of aftermarket vehicle adaptations and how older adults go about making these adaptations and learning how to use them.

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: There is a clear need to teach older drivers about the capabilities and use of advanced, in-vehicle technologies. AAA and AOTA work in collaboration with the American Society on Aging and AARP on a program called CarFit which helps senior drivers better utilize the features and technologies in their vehicles. The community-based program allows trained professionals to conduct a quick, yet comprehensive 12-point check of a senior’s personal vehicle and make recommendations for needed adjustments or adaptations. Older drivers can sign up for an event online. AAA also offers the Smart Features for Older Drivers tool, which can help senior drivers identify in-expensive devices and vehicle features that optimize their comfort and safety.

This study also found that less than 9% of participants used in-vehicle adaptations. Further, when these adaptions were made, most respondents reported they did not work with professionals to determine their appropriateness, or to correctly install/make them.   By not working with professionals, older drivers may risk making inappropriate and/or unneeded adaptations and may not get proper training on how and when to use these adaptations.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Response: For some technologies participants reported considerable lack of use, with at least four technologies being reported as used “rarely” or “never” among 40% of participants. These included semi-autonomous parking assist, in-vehicle concierge, adaptive cruise control, and voice control. This may be because older drivers are having difficulty in learning how to use many of these systems. As technology in the vehicle advances, interaction with these systems will need to become easier to accommodate the needs of older drivers. Further research is needed to understand why these technologies are seldom used.

As noted, this study also investigated aftermarket vehicle adaptation. There are a lack of studies on this topic, therefore it is unknown how the prevalence of use among older drivers compares to other populations. More research is needed to analyze the presence of modifications in relation to functional declines.

MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Response: In-vehicle technologies were present in nearly 60% of vehicles driven by LongROAD study participants. However, there was an increased likelihood of having these technologies among participants with higher income and education levels. This may not be surprising as the majority of the technologies are only available at additional cost. Those with higher incomes (which is often correlated with education level) may have more disposable income to purchase vehicles that included advanced technologies. Therefore the benefits of these technologies may be limited to certain groups. Aftermarket technologies on the other hand are generally inexpensive, yet underutilized. Greater efforts should be made to promote these relatively simple modifications and to highlight the importance of their proper installation.

MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.

Citation: 

In-Vehicle Technologies, Vehicle Adaptations, and Older Drivers: Use, Learning, and Perception
http://newsroom.aaa.com/2017/11/90-percent-senior-drivers-dont-make-vehicle-adjustments-can-improve-safety/

Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.

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Last Updated on November 30, 2017 by Marie Benz MD FAAD