Seniors' perceptions of vehicle safety risks and needs

The investigation of vehicle safety needs for older drivers and passengers is integral for their safe transportation. A program of research on safe transportation for seniors was launched through AUTO21, a Canadian Network of Centres of Excellence. This national research network focuses on a wide ra...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The American journal of occupational therapy 2010-03, Vol.64 (2), p.215-224
Main Authors: Shaw, Lynn, Polgar, Jan Miller, Vrkljan, Brenda, Jacobson, Jill
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Aged automobile drivers
Aged, 80 and over
Aging (Individuals)
Attention
Attitude
Automobile Driving
Beliefs, opinions and attitudes
Cognitive ability
Demographic aspects
Disabled Persons
Drivers
Elderly people
Environment
Equipment Design
Female
Focus groups
Humans
Male
Management
Middle Aged
Motor Vehicles
National Surveys
Networks
Occupational therapy
Older Adults
Older people
Passengers
Personal injuries
Physical Disabilities
Prevention
Public opinion
Qualitative Research
Research Needs
Resistance (Psychology)
Safety
Safety and security measures
Safety devices
Seat Belts - statistics & numerical data
State Surveys
Task Performance and Analysis
Traffic safety
Transport
Transportation
Vehicles
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Summary:The investigation of vehicle safety needs for older drivers and passengers is integral for their safe transportation. A program of research on safe transportation for seniors was launched through AUTO21, a Canadian Network of Centres of Excellence. This national research network focuses on a wide range of automotive issues, from materials and design to safety and societal issues. An inductive qualitative inquiry of seniors' driving experiences, safety feature use, and strategies to prevent injury and manage risks was a first step in this program. We conducted interviews and focus groups with 58 seniors without disabilities and 9 seniors with disabilities. We identified a lack of congruity between the vehicle and safety feature design and seniors' needs. Seniors described strategies to manage their safety and that of others. Specific aspects of vehicle design, safety features, and action strategies that support safer use and operation of a vehicle by seniors are outlined.
ISSN:0272-9490
1943-7676
DOI:10.5014/ajot.64.2.215