Variation of Driving Skill among Elderly Drivers Compared to Young Drivers in Japan
Abstract: This study analyzed
driving skill among Japanese elderly drivers compared to young drivers and see
which less skilled that might impact road accident risk in highway. Subjects
included young and elderly drivers, consisting of 10 college students (20 – 24
years old) and 25 elderly drivers (14 men and 11 women) coming from The Silver
Manpower Centre, an organization for elderly > 60 years. Elderly drivers
were divided into two age groups, namely elderly 1 aged 60 – 65 years (10
persons) and elderly 2 aged > 65 years (15 persons). Driving performance was
evaluated by using driving game simulator in laboratory. Analysis was conducted
on consistency in the lane, lane-changing skill, traffic sign compliance,
right-turning skill, braking and driving speed. Statistical analysis was
performed using ANOVA test. Generally, performance of elderly 2 was lower than
the young almost in all parameters including consistency in the lane (p value
< 0.007), traffic sign compliance (p value < 0.011), right-turning skill
(p value < 0.001) and braking (p value < 0.001). In the lane-changing
skill, young drivers showed significantly higher score (p value < 0.007)
than both elderly groups in which elderly 1 (p value < 0.004); elderly 2 (p
value < 0.001). The group > 65 years old were likely to be wrong on
seeing traffic signs due to visual limitation and long response of compliance.
Author: Indri Hapsari
Susilowati, Akira Yasukouchi
Journal Code: jpkesmasgg160021
