Driving habits of the elderly. A survey

It is anticipated that in the year 2020, 17% of the U.S. population will be 65 or older, resulting in more than 50 million older persons being eligible to drive. Given such a significant proportion of older people in the population, the importance their safety in driving, and that of others when they are driving cannot be overstated. Currently an ongoing investigation at the University of Nebraska is examining the problems of older drivers and developing ways to improve their safety. The first part of the research was concerned with defining the problems of older drivers and involved a survey administered to the older drivers. A questionnaire was designed which included 78 questions about driving. The questionnaire was sent to 770 older drivers, of whom 425 (55 percent) responded. Of the 425 who returned the survey, 341 (80 percent) were driving. The results indicate larger female population among the elderly, greater difficulties experienced by the female driver, and interesting set of age by gender interactions. Left-turn lanes, left-turn signals, stop signs, and traffic signals were considered to be the most valuable safety improvements. Larger signs, lower speed limits, more stop signs and traffic signals and wider parking spaces were also listed as needs.