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Original Articles

The combined effects of on-road and simulator training with feedback on older drivers' on-road performance: Evidence from a randomized controlled trial

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Pages 241-249 | Received 22 Mar 2016, Accepted 09 Sep 2016, Published online: 08 Feb 2018
 

ABSTRACT

Objective: A number of training programs that seek to improve driving performance among older drivers are available accompanied by a growing interest in their effectiveness. The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the combined effect of (1) basic in-class training (BT); (2) on-road training with individualized feedback (OR); and (3) training on a driving simulator (S).

Methods: Using a randomized controlled trial study design, 78 older drivers were randomly assigned to one of 3 groups (BT, BT + OR, or BT + OR + S). All participants completed a pre- and postintervention on-road driving evaluation on a standardized route. The driving evaluations were recorded using video and Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment and were scored by a blind assessor.

Results: The results indicated a significant reduction of approximately 30% in overall number of driving errors/omissions among participants in the BT + OR and the BT + OR + S groups in comparison to participants in the BT group.

Conclusions: This study adds to the mounting evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of individualized driver training in improving safe driving among older adults.

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Terry Willie and the staff at Admiral Training for their contribution and support and all participants who volunteered their time to make this study possible.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by a grant from AUTO21–Networks of Centres of Excellence (A501-AST) and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

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