Exploring older drivers' perceptions of driving

Musselwhite, Charles B.A.; Haddad, Hebba

Abstract

This research uses grounded theory to assess the driving needs of 29 older car drivers using four data collection techniques (two waves of focus groups, an interview and a driver diary). Findings suggest that older drivers view themselves as having better driving skills and attitude towards driving compared to when they were younger and compared to other drivers. In addition, they have a good ability to adapt to their changing physiology. Nevertheless, they report difficulty in assessing their own driving ability and cite they would like help to increase self-awareness about the driving task. In addition, the participants report having increasing difficulty in not having enough time to read, compute and comprehend road signs, maintaining a constant speed at the speed-limit, increased tiredness and fatigue and increased sensitivity to glare. The findings suggest given an iterative, qualitative methodology where driving issues are focused upon, older drivers can become more self-aware of their driving limitations and discuss these aspects in the context of ageing physiology. © 2010 Springer-Verlag.

Citation

Musselwhite, C. B., & Haddad, H. (2010). Exploring older drivers' perceptions of driving. European Journal of Ageing, 7(3), 181-188. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10433-010-0147-3

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jun 3, 2010
• Deposit Date: Oct 26, 2010
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 10, 2016
• Journal: European Journal of Ageing
• Print ISSN: 1613-9372
• Electronic ISSN: 1613-9380
• Publisher: Springer Verlag
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 7
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 181-188
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10433-010-0147-3
• Keywords: ageing, driver behaviour, travel behaviour, social psychology, self-awareness, older people
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/987213
• Publisher URL: http://www.springerlink.com/content/x2m165285x7lg644/
• Additional Information: Additional Information : The original publication is available at www.springerlink.com.