The Impact of Driving Education on Preparedness for Driving Cessation

For older adults, the ability to drive may promote quality of life by enabling participation in community mobility, social activities, and instrumental activities of daily living. As individuals age, there is often a decline in the various skills needed to drive, such as cognition and vision. Occupational therapy practitioners can play a key role in assessing and supporting the aging driver. The current proposal discusses a research study completed by five occupational therapy students and their faculty research advisor that explored the benefits of a driving education session and CarFit event.

The research team took a qualitative approach to explore the benefits of a driving educational session and CarFit event for older drivers. Eligibility requirements for participants included being aged 65 or older and actively driving with a valid driver’s license. Recruited from two local retirement communities,14 individuals participated in the study. Conducted by the research team, the events were held at two retirement communities. Participants completed a demographic survey, participated in an educational session and CartFit event, and completed a post-survey. The demographic survey included questions related to their awareness of driving resources. The educational session, created by the research team after a review of the driving literature, lasted approximately 45 minutes. It provided information on the components and skills needed to drive, community resources, and adaptive equipment. After the educational session, participants participated in CarFit. A community-based educational program, CarFit focuses on promoting the optimal comfort and safety of the driver. After the educational and CarFit session, participants completed a post-survey. This included questions related to what they found most valuable about the experience and their preparedness for driving cessation. After the conclusion of the study, the research team analyzed the data using inductive content data analysis.The research team reviewed data from the demographic survey and post-survey individually, discussed their findings, and came to a consensus on the themes.

Two themes emerged from the data: New Learning (Subthemes: Car Settings/Adjustments and Resources) and Readiness to Retire from Driving (Subthemes: Emotions and Factors Affecting Driving Cessation). For New Learning, participants identified that, after engaging in the educational session and CarFit event, they had a better understanding of what a complex activity driving is, how to make adjustments to the various parts of their vehicle (e.g., mirrors), and how their vehicle should be configured for optimal safety and comfort. They also mentioned learning about community resources (e.g., driving safety classes) and adaptive equipment available related to driving. For Readiness to Retire from Driving, participants identified a wide range of emotions when it came to the issue of retiring from driving. Some said they would rather die before not being able to drive, while others said it would not be problematic. Participants also identified numerous factors that impact their decision to retire from driving. Factors included input from their family and available resources.

Findings of the current study reveal the positive impact providing driving-related education to older drivers on the numerous skills required to safely drive, available community resources and adaptive equipment, and recommended vehicle settings. Given their holistic approach, occupational therapy practitioners are uniquely qualified to provide such education and support to their clients. The emotions participants expressed show that driving is an important topic for practitioners to address early on to best support older drivers.

References

Boot, W. R., Stothart, C., & Charness, N. (2013). Improving the safety of aging road users: a mini-review. Gerontology, 60(1), 90-6. DOI: 10.1159/000354212

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2016). Older Adult Drivers. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/older_adult_drivers/index.html

Keskinen, E. (2014). Education for older drivers in the future. IATSS Research, 38(1), 14-21. DOI: 10.1016/j.iatssr.2014.03.003

Liddle, J., & McKenna, K. (2003). Older Drivers and Driving Cessation. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 66(3), 125–132. DOI: 10.1177/030802260306600307