Development of an Android-Based Self-Report Assessment for Elderly Driving Risk (SAFE-DR) App: Mixed Methods Study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Transportation Safety
• Mobile Health

Background:

• Self-report assessments are crucial for elderly drivers' self-monitoring.
• South Korea developed the paper-based Self-Report Assessment for Elderly Driving Risk (SAFE-DR).
• Previous methods lacked accessibility and convenience for widespread use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and validate a mobile app version of the SAFE-DR for elderly drivers in South Korea.
• To assess the reliability and validity of the app-based SAFE-DR.
• To compare the app-based SAFE-DR with a traditional paper-based driving assessment.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods study involving 567 elderly drivers (aged 65+).
• Administered the app-based SAFE-DR, with a subset repeating the test after two weeks.
• Compared app results with a paper-based Driver 65 Plus test; analyzed reliability (Cronbach's α, test-retest) and validity (exploratory factor analysis).

Main Results:

• The app-based SAFE-DR showed very high reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.975, test-retest r = 0.951).
• Exploratory factor analysis confirmed 5 subdomains: on-road, coping, cognitive functions, general conditions, and medical health.
• A strong negative correlation (-0.864) was found between the app-based SAFE-DR and the paper-based Driver 65 Plus test.

Conclusions:

• The developed app-based SAFE-DR is a reliable and valid tool for elderly drivers.
• The app enhances accessibility and convenience for self-assessment of driving skills.
• This tool can aid in driver education and preventive screening for license renewal, promoting safe driving among the elderly.