Study Backs Beliefs About Older Drivers

The Longitudinal Research on Aging Drivers (LongROAD) study looks at all driving issues of importance to older adults including their use of technology and how well it helps them improve their safety while driving, how health issues and medications affect driving ability, strategies older adults use to drive safely, and how they can maintain their quality of life after giving up the keys.

Nearly 3,000 drivers between the ages of 65 – 79 from five different states were recruited to participate through research and health organizations. This study examines medical records, driving history, use of vehicle technology and the cognitive abilities of participating drivers. Several research briefs have already been published, including one about the apparent paradox that indicates individuals with more limited visual ability actually seem to experience fewer problems behind the wheel and are less likely to be involved in crashes. Initial data from the study supports this paradox and notes that these drivers typically travel shorter distances from home and are more likely to avoid driving at night or driving in high traffic areas.

Click here to learn more about the LongROAD study, funded by the AAA Foundation.