Enhancing older driver safety: A driving survey and evaluation of the CarFit program

To evaluate CarFit, an educational program designed to promote optimal alignment of driver with vehicle.

A driving activity survey was sent to 727 randomly selected participants living in retirement communities. Drivers (n=195) were assigned randomly to CarFit intervention (n=83, M age=78.1) or Comparison (n=112, M age=79.6) groups. After 6months, participants completed a post-test of driving activity and CarFit recommendations.

Nonconsenting drivers were older and participated in fewer driving activities. CarFit participation was moderate (71%) with 86% of the participants receiving recommendations. 60% followed the recommendations at the 6-month re-evaluation). The CarFit (67.6%) and Comparison (59.3%) groups reported at least one type of self-regulation of driving activity at baseline. There was no significant change in the driving behaviors at the six-month follow-up.

CarFit was able to detect addressable opportunities that may contribute to the safety of older drivers.

CarFit recommendations may need stronger reinforcement in order to be enacted by a participant.