Self-regulation of driving in the context of impaired visual attention: Are there gender differences?

Abstract

PURPOSE: To investigate whether older men and women differ in self-regulation of driving in the context of objective visual-attention impairments. METHOD: Participants were 1,543 drivers aged 75 years or older who participated in a state-wide study. They completed an objective measure of visual attention and self-report measures of driving habits and functional status. Crash records were obtained from the state department of public safety. RESULTS: Overall, women reported greater avoidance of difficult driving situations than did men, and drivers with impaired visual attention reported greater driving avoidance than did nonimpaired drivers. However, men were at least as likely as women to modify their driving in the context of impaired visual attention. CONCLUSION: Gender disparity in self-restriction of driving may not be due to gender differences in risk taking. It is necessary to consider factors associated with restricted driving among older adults because of their susceptibility to mobility compromise. Interventions for improving visual attention and self-regulation of driving may be effective in extending the years of autonomous driving without jeopardizing the safety of the community. Language: en