Premium
Using a driving simulator to identify older drivers at risk of traffic infringements
Author(s) -
Lee Hoe C.,
Lee Andy H.,
Cameron Don
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
australasian journal on ageing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.63
H-Index - 34
eISSN - 1741-6612
pISSN - 1440-6381
DOI - 10.1111/j.1741-6612.2003.tb00476.x
Subject(s) - logistic regression , cronbach's alpha , driving simulator , medicine , judgement , sample (material) , poison control , psychology , simulation , medical emergency , computer science , clinical psychology , psychometrics , chemistry , chromatography , political science , law
Objectives: To determine the internal consistency of assessment criteria measuring the simulated driving performance of older drivers and the criterion validity of the assessment protocol related to traffic infringements. Method: One hundred and twenty‐nine older drivers residing in metropolitan Perth volunteered to participate in the study. Using a driving simulator, specific driving tasks were devised to test the participants, whose performances were measured by ten assessment criteria. Logistic regression analysis was then undertaken to determine those criteria that may be related to the event of incurring at least one demerit point during the previous two years. Results: As expected, driving skill of older drivers was found to decline with age. The Cronbach alpha coefficient among the assessment criteria was 0.742. Forty six participants incurred at least one demerit point within the previous two years. Adjusting for age in the logistic regression, the functional abilities associated with traffic infringements were decision and judgement under pressure of time, confidence in driving with high speed and compliance to traffic regulation. Conclusions: For the present study sample, the identified assessment criteria measuring the simulated driving performance of older drivers were shown to be reliable, and their significant association with the event of incurring a demerit point further confirmed the criterion validity of using the laboratory‐based driving simulator to identify older drivers at risk of traffic infringements incurring demerit points.