Comparison of self-reported crashes, state crash records and an on-road driving assessment in a population-based sample of drivers aged 69-95 years.
OBJECTIVE
The study evaluated associations between outcome measures used in driving research including self-reported crashes, state crash records, and an on-road driving test (ORT).


METHODS
A total of 750 community dwelling participants aged 69 to 95 were recruited via the electoral roll into a study on injury prevention. Of these, 509 were drivers, and data on self-reported crashes, and either state crash records, or an on-road assessment were available for 488. Crash history data were obtained from state records (five-year retrospective and twelve-month prospective), retrospective self-report (five-year) and prospective monthly injury diaries (twelve months). A subsample completed an on-road driving test.


RESULTS
During the last five years, 22.3% reported a crash, 10.0% reported a crash in the twelve-month follow-up period, 3.2% of the sample had state crash records during the previous five years, and 0.6% had state-recorded crashes during the twelve-month follow-up period. State crash records did not agree with any other outcome measure. Those who scored 5 or less on the ORT were more likely to report a crash in the past five years (55.4% vs. 36.8%; p = .009). Results did not differ when participants with probable dementia were excluded (n = 2).


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that caution should be applied when using state crash records as an outcome measure in driving research and suggest that in the Australian context, retrospective self-reported crashes over five years are preferable when objective measures of driving performance are unavailable.
Anstey
Kaarin J
KJ
Centre for Mental Health Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia. kaarin.anstey@anu.edu.au
Wood
Joanne
J
Caldwell
Haley
H
Kerr
Graham
G
Lord
Stephen R
SR
D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors