Americans are living longer and driving cars much later in their lives. As longevity and quality of life extends into older adulthood, risky driving is a growing problem. Because little is known regarding characteristics of the oldest among licensed drivers, the specific aim of this investigation was to determine whether older adult drivers (65 to 74 years old) differed in selected individual characteristics and driving outcomes from oldest adult drivers (75 years old and older). The hypothesis tested was: As compared to older adult drivers, oldest adult drivers have significantly decreased visual acuity and cervical spine rotation and significantly increased risky driving practices (risky driving behaviors, driving distraction) and adverse driving events (police citations, crashes, and injuries). A Model for Risky Driving in Older Adults depicting relationships among characteristics provided the conceptual framework for the study. A cross-sectional survey design with a convenience sample was used to test the study hypothesis. There were 159 participants in the sample: 47.2% were older drivers (n = 75), while 52.8% were oldest drivers (n = 84). Participants underwent testing for visual acuity and cervical spine rotation, and were interviewed about driving behaviors and adverse driving events using The Driving Practices Survey. State drivers' abstracts were also used to document police citations and crashes. Significant adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were found for cervical spine rotation (OR 1.058, p = .003), visual acuity (OR 1.492, p = .043), and driving distraction (OR 1.212, p = .031). There were no significant differences between groups for adverse driving events and risky driving behaviors. The study hypothesis was partially supported. As compared to older adult drivers, oldest adult drivers had significantly decreased visual acuity and cervical spine rotation. Additionally, driving distraction was significantly decreased for oldest as compared to older drivers. Results revealed that the very oldest drivers differed from older drivers. Therefore driving assessment, crash prevention strategies, and licensing laws may need to differ for these two groups. Further study is needed to test the hypothesis in a larger, more representative sample, as well as to determine the most appropriate age range for older versus oldest driver.
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