DRIVING CESSATION: THE PERSPECTIVE OF SENIOR DRIVERS

Abstract

Most adult Americans are overattached to and dependent on the private automobile. Because of the lack of appropriate alternative transportation in many areas of the country and the cultural value of the private car, older drivers may face a challenging transition when they need to consider driving cessation. In the year 2020, approximately 17% of the American population will be at least 65 years old, and approximately 50 million older adults will be driving. Driving and driving cessation, therefore, are critical gerontological issues, and the present study was designed to examine them, in detail. Focus group interviews were conducted with 59 drivers and nondrivers (mean age of 80 years) to elicit perceptions about driving and driving cessation. An open‐coding methodology was used to perform content analysis on participants’ statements and to identify common issues of concern. Results revealed that most older drivers were concerned with driving management (i.e., ways of extending safe driving) and were reluctant to plan for driving cessation. They also indicated that they perceived driving as a necessity, as there was a considerable lack of suitable transportation alternatives. Driving was clearly associated with feelings of independence and freedom for this sample. Participants also frequently mentioned the importance of safety issues and health factors for older drivers. An educational intervention to aid older drivers in self‐evaluating driving skills and coping with the driving cessation dilemma is proposed.