Adaptive driving, not unsafe: Older drivers' compensatory strategies and lower simulated crash risk

The global aging population has led to an increasing number of older active drivers. While age-related physical and cognitive changes are associated with increased crash risk, specific on-road adaptations and safety outcomes of older drivers remain unclear. This study examined distinct driving characteristics, personality traits, and cognitive processes related to decision-making among middle-aged and older drivers in a simulated driving environment.

We assessed driving performance in a high-fidelity motorcycle simulator across drivers in three age groups: middle-aged (30-54; n = 40), aged 65-74 (n = 34), and aged 75 + (75-86; n = 29). Comparative analysis focused on speed regulation, braking behavior, control stability, and accident rates. Additionally, questionnaire measures and a computerized decision-making task were employed to assess risk perception and risky decision-making.

Compared to the middle-aged group, both older groups demonstrated a significantly more conservative driving profile: lower mean speeds, fewer speeding violations, longer braking maneuvers, reduced variation in throttle control, and a lower incidence of simulated accidents. Drivers aged 75+ also reported higher perceived risk in driving scenarios and displayed diminished discrimination between risk and non-risk situations in a braking decision task. Mediation analyses showed that steering variance in the simulator and self-reported health/safety risk-taking significantly mediated the relationship between age group and number of accidents.

The findings indicate that older drivers adopt proactive compensatory strategies that could result in fewer simulated accidents. These findings challenge a purely deficit-oriented perspective on older driver safety, underscoring the critical role of behavioral adaptation and strategic self-regulation in maintaining safe mobility.