Driving Cessation Anno 2010

Siren, Anu; Haustein, Sonja · 2016 · Crossref

DOI: 10.1177/0733464814521690

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Summary

This study investigates the factors influencing older drivers’ decisions to renew or cease driving upon reaching the mandatory license renewal age of 70 in Denmark. Motivated by the negative health and social consequences associated with driving cessation, such as increased isolation and depression, the research aims to determine whether newer, more car-reliant cohorts of seniors differ from previous generations in their driving behaviors. Specifically, it examines why certain individuals, particularly women, may prematurely stop driving despite lacking medical restrictions. The researchers conducted standardized computer-assisted telephone interviews with a random sample of 1,537 licensed Danish drivers from the 1939–1940 birth cohorts who were turning 70. The survey collected data on socio-demographics, health status (including illnesses impairing driving ability), psychological well-being, driving frequency, perceived safety, and reasons for license renewal decisions. Statistical analyses, including Pearson’s χ2 tests, ANOVAs, and logistic regression, were used to compare “renewers” (those intending to keep their license) with “non-renewers.” The results indicated that a vast majority of respondents intended to renew their licenses, a significant increase compared to earlier cohorts. Only a small minority intended to stop driving, with women overrepresented in this group. Logistic regression identified four primary predictors for the intention to renew: active car use, feeling safe as a driver, independence from others for transportation, and the absence of illnesses that impair driving ability. While gender itself was not a significant predictor, it was strongly correlated with these factors; women reported lower confidence and safety perceptions. Non-renewers generally had poorer health, drove less frequently, and felt less safe in traffic. Men who ceased driving cited health issues and external encouragement to stop, whereas women’s reasons were often ambiguous and linked to a lack of driving routine or confidence rather than medical necessity. The study concludes that newer cohorts of seniors are more likely to continue driving into old age, challenging the necessity of broad, age-based medical screening for license renewal. However, the persistent gender gap suggests that premature driving cessation among women is driven by psychosocial factors, such as low confidence, rather than fitness to drive. The authors recommend that interventions to prevent premature cessation should focus on enhancing women’s driving experience and confidence to maintain their mobility and well-being.

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Topics

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• older drivers
• older driver retraining