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Title:

Do Memory-Impaired Drivers and Their Family Members Agree on Driving Ability and Behaviors?

Accession Number:

01337883

Record Type:

Component

Availability:

Transportation Research Board Business Office

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Washington, DC 20001 United States
Order URL: http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/166819.aspx

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Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/9780309223027

Abstract:

It is estimated that approximately one-third of people with dementia continue to drive. Compared with the general driving population, drivers with dementia are at an increased risk of unsafe motor vehicle operation. Self-screening is often the basis for self-regulation of driving. It is not known how well self-screening as a predominant strategy works for drivers with memory impairment. This descriptive study explored the perceptions of 22 dyads of drivers with memory impairment and their family members through 44 structured telephone interviews within 4 months after specialized driving assessment to gain insights into their level of agreement on the driver’s health, functioning, and critical driving behaviors. Drivers and family members were in fair agreement about current driving patterns and driver self-regulation (such as avoiding driving at night, in bad weather, or in unfamiliar areas). However, when reports of functional ability (such as vision, strength, and flexibility) were compared, drivers rated their fitness more highly than those abilities were rated by their family members on most measures. Moreover, there was poor agreement between drivers and family members on reported occurrence of driving behaviors suggestive of impairment in critical driving skills. These results have implications for health care and other professionals engaged in determining driver fitness. The findings suggest limited value in self-screening or in family reports when assessing fitness to drive in persons with memory impairment. Professionals should exercise caution in relying on reports from family members or drivers, especially with respect to reported driving fitness and driving behaviors.

Monograph Accession #:

01365022

Report/Paper Numbers:

11-0373

Language:

English

Authors:

Silverstein, Nina M
Gottlieb, Alison S
Eby, David W
Molnar, Lisa J
Kwan, Ngai
Materdey, Tomas
Adler, Geri
Van Ranst, Elizabeth

Pagination:

pp 200-206

Publication Date:

2011

Serial:

Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board

Issue Number: 2265
Publisher: Transportation Research Board
ISSN: 0361-1981

ISBN:

9780309223027

Media Type:

Print

Features:

References (34) ; Tables (5)

Uncontrolled Terms:

Subject Areas:

Highways; Safety and Human Factors; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor

Files:

TRIS, TRB

Created Date:

Feb 17 2011 5:25PM

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