01091556

Component

Objective: The number of older drivers on the road is increasing drastically and will continue to grow as the baby boomer generation ages. These demographics present certain challenges and opportunities to personal and public safety. Older driver education may be a personal safety tool that leads to behaviors that reduce crashes, which in turn, hold implications for public safety. The present study seeks to characterize the scope and type of driver education courses offered in the United States and is an attempt to baseline the current state of such programs. Methods: A representative sample consisting of eleven driver education courses offered in the United States was selected. Courses were then characterized according to course composition surrounding administrative/structural features and content. Results: Course administrative features varied based on seven categories. Seven content areas were also identified and explored. Conclusions: Older driver education courses in the U.S. are successfully updating driver knowledge and skills in an effort to promote driver safety and independence. Specific areas of weakness surrounding means of teaching and content e.g. new vehicle technologies were also revealed. Driver education may be a vital strategy toward learning technologies and safe driving behavior that will reduce crash rates, thus maintaining personal independence and public safety.

01084478

08-2605

English

14p

2008

Transportation Research Board 87th Annual Meeting

DVD

References (15) ; Tables (2)

Age groups; Aged; Automobile drivers; Demographics; Driver education; Driver experience; Mobility; Safety; Safety education

Baby boomer generation

Education and Training; Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Society; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 2008 Paper #08-2605

TRIS, TRB

Jan 29 2008 5:02PM