Feedback intervention for senior drivers
The UDV conducted two studies to develop and evaluate a feedback program that assesses the driving competence/skills of senior drivers. This program offers diverse observation and feedback options to evaluate the driving competencies of older drivers, and it is suitable for nationwide use.
The feedback drive involves a one-time drive in real traffic. A trained driving observer assesses the driving behaviour using a standardized observation and evaluation system. The older drivers are then provided with individual feedback on their driving competence. The face-to-face conversation afterwards provides fair and respectful feedback about their strengths and weaknesses as well as possibilities to maintain safe car mobility.
Certified experts or examiners for motor vehicle traffic, traffic psychologists or driving instructors are considered suitable as driving observers with additional training.
This feedback drive is a simple and easily accessible option for maintaining and improving the driving skills of active drivers aged 75 and over who are fit to drive. It is not a driving test or a test of fitness to drive.
A pilot project was initiated in 2019 to develop the observation and feedback procedure. It involved 135 drivers aged 70 to 91. The results showed statistically significant reduction in driving errors after the feedback drive.
In 2022, in another project the program was refined. The observation and feedback procedure was standardized, and a training concept for driving observers is provided. In an empirical study with 108 senior citizens aged between 75 and 91 years, the feedback showed again improvement in driving competence. Significantly fewer driving errors were observed after receiving feedback compared to a comparison group without feedback. Comparable effects were found for all driving observers, indicating the successful standardization of the program. Underlining the findings of the pilot project, participants very well accepted the feedback and considered it to be very helpful.
Detailed information on the feedback drive as well as its scientific development and evaluation is documented in the research reports (in German) listed below.
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