Measurement of Driving Patterns of Older Adults Using Data Logging Devices with and without Global Positioning System Capability

Abstract

Background. Methods to study driving patterns and exposure of older drivers have typically relied on surveys or driving diaries. Electronic data logging devices may offer a reliable, alternative method of measuring driving exposure, and global positioning system (GPS) technology may be able to provide further information about driving patterns.

Objectives. The aim of this study was to compare a driving diary with two electronic data logging devices, one of which had GPS capability, in order to identify which method best assesses the driving exposure and habits of older drivers as well as the method most acceptable to study participants.

Method. In this prospective cohort study we recruited 20 participants aged 70 years or more (mean 78; range 70–85) (15 men and 5 women). The participants' driving patterns were recorded for one week with an electronic data logging device with GPS (FleetPulse™), followed by recording for a further week with an electronic data logging device without GPS (CarChip®). During both time periods the subjects also completed a standard driving diary.

Results. More comprehensive information, including braking and acceleration patterns, duration of driving time, time of day, and maximum speeds, was collected with the electronic devices than with the driving diary. There was excellent correlation between the driving diary data and those obtained with the CarChip® (r = 0.9; p < 0.01). The correlation between the driving diary data and the FleetPulse™ data was moderate (r = 0.56; p = 0.02). The subjects clearly preferred the electronic monitoring devices over the driving diary. GPS data were able to demonstrate driving routes.

Conclusions. Electronic data logging devices are a valid method for recording the driving patterns of older adults. These devices also reduce burden and improve the completeness of data.

Keywords:

• Older Driver
• Data Logging
• Driving Patterns
• Global Positioning System
• Driving Diary

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This substudy was funded by the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation, the Canadian Driving Research Initiative for Vehicular Safety in the Elderly (CanDRIVE, a Canadian Institutes of Health Research New Emerging Team) and Netistix® Corporation, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

The investigators are grateful to the Federal Superannuates National Association and its representative, Dave Brown, for ongoing support of this research. The authors also thank the research study nurses, Jennifer Biggs and Anita Jessup, and Gloria Baker, who edited the manuscript.

Notes

*One subject did not complete the driving diary, and in one case each with the electronic devices, data collection failure occurred.

*p < 0.0001 (χ² test) for difference between driving diary and electronic devices.