Traffic Tech #257: Family And Friends Who Are Concerned About An Older Driver Need Resources |
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Americans are concerned about highway safety and what to do about older people who no longer drive safely. The automobile is a powerful source of independence, and in some cases, a person continues to drive long after it has become unsafe to do so. Because family members and friends are in the unique position to routinely observe the driving behavior of older people, they are often in the best position to intervene if an older driver is not driving safely. Unfortunately, in many cases they are unaware of the resources available to them that can help them do and say the right thing.
A new report, Family and Friends Concerned About an Older Driver, prepared by Creative Action, Inc., describes a research investigation to define the problem and identify workable solutions for those who might intervene. They conducted a literature review, held focus groups in St. Louis, Missouri and Akron, Ohio, and documented seven States' practices.
Description of the Problem
Older drivers most at-risk of engaging in unsafe driving behavior are males with certain medical conditions, especially dementia or declining vision, who are unaware of their disabilities, and who have little contact with family members or friends. Older women are more willing to modify or stop driving than older men. Older men value driving independence as more important. Family and friends most likely to intervene are those with the strongest concern and caring for the older driver - generally the same people who are likely to become caregivers or decision makers. These are most likely to be a spouse, or an adult child.
Research Findings
Family members identify unsafe driving practices of older drivers as forgetfulness, confusion, inability to see where they are going, and failure to follow the rules of the road. They identify the results of these problems as crashes, new dents and dings on the older driver's car, neighbors or police calling the family member about the driver's behavior, and their own first-hand observations of poor driving performance. Though they may try to intervene on their own - by removing keys, making the car impossible to start, or removing the car altogether - they indicate that they would like the help of police or physicians but they do not know how to get it. At the same time, there is little information available from traditional social agencies such as area agencies on aging, government, motor vehicle licencing agencies, or physicians.
Barriers to Intervention
The report uncovers some barriers to intervention. Among the strongest are social and cultural norms that favor independence and not interfering in other people's lives. There are misperceptions about State licensing reporting requirements. People think that a driver will automatically lose their license if the DMV becomes involved, but this is not necessarily the case. Another strong barrier is the lack of transportation options available to the older driver. If there is no other way for the person to get around, people are reluctant to "sentence" a family member to home confinement. Knowing when an older person's driving has become unsafe, or how to recognize the signs that the problems are reaching the point where intervention is required is another impediment.
Needed Solutions
The participants of the focus groups indicated that there is a clear need for materials that can help them identify the problem driver, to remind them of the potential consequences of allowing the problem driver to continue to drive, and to know what specific steps they should take to intervene. They also need to know how to talk to that driver about safety.
The focus group participants also identified a need for a national framework for reporting and retesting problem drivers, and for establishing insurance providers as gatekeepers. They called for improving transportation options for older non-drivers, as well as providing transportation planning and counseling to individual older drivers.
Some suggestions to remove barriers that stop family members and friends from intervening in driving decisions:
This report will be useful to those who are interested in older driver safety and to those who provide services to older people or their families.
HOW TO ORDER
For a copy of Family and Friends Concerned about an Older Driver (43 pages) write to Research and Traffic Records, NHTSA, NTS-31, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20590; or send a fax to (202) 366-7096. Essie Wagner was the contract manager for this study.
U.S. Department
of Transportation
National Highway
Traffic Safety
Administration
400 Seventh Street, S.W. NTS-31
Washington, DC 20590
Traffic Tech is a publication to disseminate information about traffic safety programs, including evaluations, innovative programs, and new publications. Feel free to copy it as you wish.
If you would like to receive a copy contact:
Linda Cosgrove, Ph.D., Editor, Evaluation Staff
Traffic Safety Programs
(202) 366-2759, fax (202) 366-7096
E-MAIL: lcosgrove@nhtsa.dot.gov