Older Driver Simulator Performance in Relation to Driving Habits and DMV Driving Records

The driving simulation performance of older drivers in relation to self-reported driving habits and accident/citation data is reported. The data from 140 participants (Los Angeles county residents), comprised of 80 older drivers (aged 70-90; 43 male, 37 female) and 60 younger drivers (age 21-50; 30 male, 30 female) was used for this study. Data was collected using the Driving Habits Questionnaire (DHQ), California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) driving records, and PC desktop driving simulation in the context of a larger older driver assessment study that also included a neuropsychological test battery. Analysis of the simulator data suggests age-related differences in driving style and performance that indicate compensatory adaptive strategies. The highest and most frequent correlations were found between older driver simulator performance and reductions in exposure with particular avoidance of interstates/expressways and nighttime driving. While one older driver simulator performance measure in regards to lane position maintenance was found to correlate with DMV accident status (r = .350), the difficulty in using DMV records for older driver assessment is addressed.