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Citation
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Bird DC, Freund K, Fortinsky RH, Staplin LK, West BA, Bergen G, Downs J. Traffic Injury Prev. 2017; 18(3): 267-272. |
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Abstract
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OBJECTIVES: This study examined a multi-community alternative transportation program available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for any purpose, offering door-through-door service in private automobiles to members who either do not drive or are transitioning away from driving. Specific aims were to describe: • Characteristics of members by driving status; and • Ride service usage of these members.
METHODS: Data came from administrative records maintained by a non-profit ride service program and include 2,661 individuals aged 65+ residing in 14 states who joined the program between April 1, 2010 and November 8, 2013. Latent class analysis was used to group current drivers into three classes of driving status of low, medium, and high self-regulation, based on their self-reported avoidance of certain driving situations and weekly driving frequency. Demographics and ride service use rate for rides taken through March 31, 2014 by type of ride (e.g., medical, social, etc.) were calculated for non-drivers and drivers in each driving status class.
RESULTS: The majority of ride service users were female (77%) and aged 65-74 years (82%). The primary method of getting around when enrolling for the transportation service was by riding with a friend or family member (60%). Among the 67,883 rides given, non-drivers took the majority (69%) of rides. Medical rides were the most common, accounting for 40% of all rides.
CONCLUSIONS: Reported ride usage suggests that older adults are willing to use such ride services for a variety of trips when these services aren't limited to specific types (e.g. medical). Further research can help tailor strategies to encourage both non-drivers and drivers make better use of alternative transportation that meets the special needs of older people.
Language: en |