Conference Proceeding

Self-Rated Distress Related to Medical Conditions is Associated with Future Crashes or Traffic Offences in Older Drivers

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Abstract

Ageing is associated with the development of medical conditions, both acute and chronic. The aim of this study was to determine whether medical factors were associated with subsequent self- and officially-reported crashes and traffic offences in a group of cognitively healthy older drivers. We surveyed medical conditions, medications taken for these conditions, and the amount of subjective distress associated with medical conditions in a group of 56 drivers aged 72-85 years for a period of 24 months. We also compared exposure to driving at baseline to the number of crashes or offences at 24 months. We found no relationship between the number of medical conditions or medications taken and whether a participant had a crash or offence. However, those who reported more subjective distress associated with their condition/s were more likely to have a crash or offence during the study period. Drivers who had a crash or offence also had a higher mean driving exposure. However, there was no relationship between reported distress and driving exposure which indicates that these may be independent risk factors for experiencing a crash or traffic offence.

How to Cite:

Hoggarth, P. & Innes, C. & Dalrymple-Alford, J. & Jones, R., (2011) “Self-Rated Distress Related to Medical Conditions is Associated with Future Crashes or Traffic Offences in Older Drivers”, Driving Assessment Conference 6(2011), 80-86. doi: https://doi.org/10.17077/drivingassessment.1381

Rights: Copyright © 2011 the author(s)