The effect of a low and high resource intervention on older drivers’ knowledge, behaviors and risky driving

This study aimed to compare an in-class Seniors on the MOVE (Mature Operators Vehicular Education) interactive multi-session driving curriculum with a self-guided MOVE curriculum for older adults. Using a two group randomized design, we sought to determine if there are between-group differences in older drivers’ knowledge and safety behaviors among participants. Forty-four participants with an average age of 79 years (SD = 7.1) were randomly assigned to the original MOVE program (SOM-A) or a lower resource (SOM-B) self-guided intervention. SOM-A is a four session program designed to improve older drivers safety knowledge and better understand skills for safer driving. SOM-B is a self-guided program with one required in-class session and one optional session. Subsequent to completion of both curricula, participants were offered CarFit, a comprehensive check of how well a senior driver and their vehicle work together. Baseline, post-intervention and 6-month follow up questionnaires were completed by participants. We found significant differences (p = .01) in the mean driving safety knowledge scores when comparing participants in SOM-A (3.7, SD 2.0) to those in SOM-B (0.87, SD 2.6). With regard to behavioral outcomes, we focused on always wearing a seatbelt, talking with a health care provider about driving ability, and sitting 10–12 inches from the steering wheel. The vast majority of participants reported always wearing their seat belts (SOM-A 100%, SOM-B 92%, p = 1.0), and very few reported talking with their doctors (SOM-A Baseline – 0%, Follow up 1 – 0%, p = n/a). Mean behavior change scores for participants sitting 10–12 inches from the steering wheel were significantly more likely among SOM-A (mean = .65, SD = .5) participants than those in SOM-B (mean = .29, SD = .5, p = .01) at first follow-up. Taken together, these findings suggest that the more intensive program is more effective and that driving safety programs focused on behaviors to self evaluate driving abilities continue to be needed to help older drivers remain safer on the road as they age. The involvement of health care providers in such efforts may be an untapped potential.

► A two group randomized intervention for older drivers.
► A more intensive program for older drivers is more effective in changing driving knowledge.
► Talking to healthcare providers about driving abilities is a complex modifiable behavior.