The relationship between cognitive performance, perceptions of driving comfort and abilities, and self-reported driving restrictions among healthy older drivers

• Published in: Accident analysis and prevention 2013-12, Vol.61, p.288-295
• Main Authors: Rapoport, Mark J., Naglie, Gary, Weegar, Kelly, Myers, Anita, Cameron, Duncan, Crizzle, Alexander, Korner-Bitensky, Nicol, Tuokko, Holly, Vrkljan, Brenda, Bédard, Michel, Porter, Michelle M., Mazer, Barbara, Gélinas, Isabelle, Man-Son-Hing, Malcolm, Marshall, Shawn
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aging; Automobile Driving - psychology; Automobile Driving - statistics & numerical data; Avoidance; Cognition; Cognitive assessment; Cognitive function; Cohort Studies; Comfort; Completion time; Constrictions; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diagnostic Self Evaluation; Drivers; Driving behavior; Error analysis; Female; Humans; Linear Models; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Neuropsychological Tests; Perception; Permissible error; Prospective Studies; Self Report
• ISSN: 0001-4575; 1879-2057
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2013.03.030

•In this large sample of healthy older drivers, there was a modest association between performance on tests of psychomotor speed, mental flexibility and executive functioning and self-reported driving comfort, abilities, and restrictions.•Specifically, worse performance on Trails A and B were generally associated with modestly reduced driving frequency and perceived driving abilities and comfort, as well as a tendency to avoid more difficult driving situations.•There was no relationship between a global cognitive test, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and the self-reported driving measures.•The modest relationship with Trails A and B and the lack of relationship with the MoCA may be due to the largely cognitively intact sample, a reduced awareness of and compensation for cognitive problems, or both. The objective of the present study was to examine the relationship between cognitive performance, driver perceptions and self-reported driving restrictions. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on baseline data from Candrive II, a five-year prospective cohort study of 928 older drivers aged 70–94 years from seven cities. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) as well as the Trail Making Test, parts A and B. Driver perceptions were assessed using the Day and Night Driving Comfort Scales and the Perceived Driving Abilities scale, while driving practices were captured by the Situational Driving Frequency and Avoidance scales, as well as the Driving Habits and Intentions Questionnaire. The baseline data indicates this cohort is largely a cognitively intact group. Univariate regression analysis showed that longer Trails A and B completion times were significantly, but only modestly associated with reduced driving frequency and perceived driving abilities and comfort, as well as a significant tendency to avoid more difficult driving situations (all p