Citation

Di Stefano M, MacDonald W. Proc. Australas. Road Safety Res. Policing Educ. Conf. 2003; 7(1): 70-77.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, copyright holder varies, Publisher Monash University)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study examines the types of driving errors associated with driving instructor interventions (DIIs) to maintain safety during tests conducted by specialist Occupational Therapists (OT) of drivers with diagnoses likely to be associated with cognitive impairment. A total of 256 report files were reviewed; average driver age was 60 years, 64 per cent were male and the most common diagnoses were CVA, dementia and behavioural disorders. The most frequently reported driving errors were associated with intersection negotiation, lane changing/diverging and position on the road, and at least one DII was recorded for 27 per cent of the sample. Results will be presented in relation to international research and the authors' previous findings concerning driving errors reported during older driver "review tests" by a licensing authority. The potential role of DIIs in evaluating the performance of older and/or impaired drivers will be discussed.