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Title:

Comorbidities and Occupant Protection Behaviors Among Drivers Aged 75 Years and Older

Accession Number:

01590033

Record Type:

Component

Abstract:

Good seat belt fit and positioning is important for optimal crash protection. Previous research has demonstrated that older drivers experience problems in achieving good seat belt fit, and often exhibit behaviors that negatively impact belt position and effectiveness in crashes. These include seat belt repositioning and use of seat accessories, such as cushions and pillows. Previous research has also identified that self-reported comfort in seat belts influence these behaviors. It is also known that chronic conditions or comorbidities are common among older people. The authors hypothesize that comorbidities will also influence these behaviors, and that comfort may mediate this relationship. To test this, the authors have used mediation analysis to study the relationship between comorbidities, comfort and these behaviors using a sample of 380 drivers aged 75 years and older. The results demonstrate that the more musculoskeletal comorbidities an older driver has, the more likely they will be to report repositioning their seat belt (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1.6), and comfort levels partially mediate this relationship (Goodman Test, p=0.03). The results also demonstrate that the more comorbidities of any type an older driver has, the more likely they will be to use a seat accessory (OR 1.2 95% CI 1.04-1.3), and comfort plays no role in this relationship (Goodman Test, p=0.87). These findings highlight the need to increase awareness among older drivers of the importance of good seat belt positioning, particularly those with comorbidities. They also demonstrate need for further study of the use of seat accessories among these older occupants.

Supplemental Notes:

This paper was sponsored by TRB committee ANB45 Standing Committee on Occupant Protection.

Monograph Accession #:

01584066

Report/Paper Numbers:

16-3354

Language:

English

Corporate Authors:

Transportation Research Board

500 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001 United States

Authors:

Brown, Julie
Coxon, Kristy
Fong, Cameron
Clarke, Elizabeth
Rogers, Kris
Keay, Lisa

Pagination:

14p

Publication Date:

2016

Conference:

Transportation Research Board 95th Annual Meeting

Location: Washington DC, United States
Date: 2016-1-10 to 2016-1-14
Sponsors: Transportation Research Board

Media Type:

Web

Features:

Figures; References (34) ; Tables

Subject Areas:

Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment; I84: Personal Injuries; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety

Source Data:

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 2016 Paper #16-3354

Files:

TRIS, TRB, ATRI

Created Date:

Jan 12 2016 5:28PM