Assessing the Overall Driving Performance of Older Drivers

Abstract

This study investigates the relative performance of older drivers at the individual level, based on specific measures of functional and driving abilities. To do so, 55 participants aged 70 years and above completed tests of an assessment battery of psychological and physical aspects as well as knowledge of road signs; moreover, they took a driving simulator test in which specific driving situations that are known to cause difficulties for older drivers were included. To evaluate the overall performance of each driver, all the above information was combined by using the concept of composite indicators, and the technique of data envelopment analysis, which is an optimization model for measuring the relative performance of a set of units, or drivers in this study, was employed. The model output distinguishes the best-performers from those underperforming drivers, and helps in guiding future development of training interventions tailored to each individual by specifically targeting those functions that are (mostly) impaired.