In-Car Evaluations of Senior Drivers Grant uri icon

abstract

  • Driving school based in-car evaluations are a potentially useful tool for enhancing older driver safety. In addition to providing feedback and education aimed at improving safety and extending driving years, they provide opportunity to identify medically impaired drivers and direct them to appropriate services. While driving rehabilitation specialists (DRSs) are well-qualified to evaluate medically-at-risk drivers, the vast majority of healthy older adults do not require the comprehensive combination of clinical and behind-the-wheel services they offer. Almost all seniors, however, could benefit from objective feedback on their driving performance. The challenge lies in developing a program that best serves the needs of senior drivers, while protecting the providers of that service. Currently there are no widely recognized guidelines for driving instructors to follow in conducting in-car evaluations of experienced older drivers, and no protocols for identifying and assisting drivers with cognitive or other medical/functional impairments who require more specialized services. There is also no mechanism in place for training instructors to perform this role. The proposed project will address these needs by conducting a review and evaluation of existing programs and by developing a model ?driver tune-up? program that will appeal to a broad spectrum of older drivers and their families. This proactive and positive option will be feasible for implementation by AAA Clubs, driving schools and other organizations by collaborating with appropriate health professionals who have expertise in this area. The proposed project will pilot the model program in select locations to refine best practices and ready it for more widespread implementation. A key to the success of the program will be building strong relationships between driving instructors and driver rehabilitation specialists and occupational therapists, so that the driving school-based in-car evaluation is part of a larger continuum of services available to assist seniors in remaining safe and active drivers.

date/time interval

  • April 2015 - October 2017