A randomized trial of an education program to enhance older driver performance

Abstract

Background. This study was designed to determine whether an education program consisting of classroom and on-road training could enhance driving performance. Methods. This randomized controlled trial with blinded endpoint assessment enrolled 126 community-living drivers 70 years old or older who were recruited from clinic and community sources. Treatment assignment was concealed until eligibility was established. Participants randomized to intervention underwent two 4-hour classroom and two 1-hour on-road sessions focused on common problem areas of older drivers. Controls received modules directed at vehicle, home, and environmental safety. A knowledge test and driving performance were assessed at baseline and 8 weeks. On-road driving performance was assessed by an experienced evaluator in a dual-brake-equipped vehicle in urban, residential, and highway traffic. Driving performance was rated on a 36-item scale with potential scores from 0 to 72 (higher score better). The knowledge test included 20 road knowledge and eight road sign questions, scored from 0 to 28 correct. Results. The least squares mean change in road test score relative to baseline was 2.87 points higher in the intervention than in the control group (p = .001). The least squares mean change in knowledge test scores relative to baseline was 3.45 points higher in the intervention than in the control group (p < .001). Conclusions. An education program consisting of classroom and on-road training targeted to common errors of older drivers enhanced performance on knowledge and on-road tests. Such interventions offer older drivers the potential to continue driving safely longer and to maintain their out-of-home mobility. Copyright 2007 by The Gerontological Society of America.