R De Raedt1, I Ponjaert-Kristoffersen. 1. Free University of Brussels, Department of Developmental and Lifespan Psychology, Belgium. Rudi.De.Raedt@vub.ac.be
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: to determine whether the use of strategic and tactical compensation can successfully improve safety in older drivers. METHODS: 84 healthy subjects aged between 65 and 96 were referred for a fitness-to-drive evaluation. Using ANOVA and contrast analysis, we tested the hypothesis that bad drivers who have had no car accidents use more active compensation strategies than bad drivers who have caused accidents in the previous 12 months. We classified drivers as bad, average or good, based on a structured road test. RESULTS: drivers who select driving tasks below their capacities and compensate by adapting their driving style cause fewer accidents than those who do not apply these strategies. CONCLUSIONS: fitness-to-drive screening procedures need a broader perspective to prevent an over-emphasis on procedures which focus more on deficit than on capacities.
OBJECTIVE: to determine whether the use of strategic and tactical compensation can successfully improve safety in older drivers. METHODS: 84 healthy subjects aged between 65 and 96 were referred for a fitness-to-drive evaluation. Using ANOVA and contrast analysis, we tested the hypothesis that bad drivers who have had no car accidents use more active compensation strategies than bad drivers who have caused accidents in the previous 12 months. We classified drivers as bad, average or good, based on a structured road test. RESULTS: drivers who select driving tasks below their capacities and compensate by adapting their driving style cause fewer accidents than those who do not apply these strategies. CONCLUSIONS: fitness-to-drive screening procedures need a broader perspective to prevent an over-emphasis on procedures which focus more on deficit than on capacities.
Authors: Stephan Seiler; Helena Schmidt; Anita Lechner; Thomas Benke; Guenter Sanin; Gerhard Ransmayr; Riccarda Lehner; Peter Dal-Bianco; Peter Santer; Patricia Linortner; Christian Eggers; Bernhard Haider; Margarete Uranues; Josef Marksteiner; Friedrich Leblhuber; Peter Kapeller; Christian Bancher; Reinhold Schmidt Journal: PLoS One Date: 2012-12-26 Impact factor: 3.240