Citation

Gaines JM, Burke KL, Marx KA, Wagner M, Parrish JM. J. Saf. Res. 2011; 42(5): 351-358.

Affiliation

The Erickson Foundation, 701 Maiden Choice Lane, Catonsville, MD 21228, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, U.S. National Safety Council, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jsr.2011.07.007

PMID

22093569

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate CarFit, an educational program designed to promote optimal alignment of driver with vehicle. METHODS: A driving activity survey was sent to 727 randomly selected participants living in retirement communities. Drivers (n=195) were assigned randomly to CarFit intervention (n=83, M age=78.1) or Comparison (n=112, M age=79.6) groups. After 6months, participants completed a post-test of driving activity and CarFit recommendations. RESULTS: Nonconsenting drivers were older and participated in fewer driving activities. CarFit participation was moderate (71%) with 86% of the participants receiving recommendations. 60% followed the recommendations at the 6-month re-evaluation). The CarFit (67.6%) and Comparison (59.3%) groups reported at least one type of self-regulation of driving activity at baseline. There was no significant change in the driving behaviors at the six-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: CarFit was able to detect addressable opportunities that may contribute to the safety of older drivers. IMPACT ON INDUSTRY: CarFit recommendations may need stronger reinforcement in order to be enacted by a participant.

Language: en