Differences in perceptions regarding driving between young and old drivers and non-drivers in Japan

Is safety in the eye of the beholder? Discrepancies between self-reported and proxied data on road safety behaviors—A systematic review

Recent studies have problematized on the lack of agreement between self-reported and proxied data in the field of road safety-related behaviors. Overall, and although these studies are still scarce, most of them suggest that the way we perceive our own road behavior is systematically different from the perspective from which we perceive others' behavior, and vice versa. The aim of this review paper was to target the number and type of studies that have researched the behavioral perceptions of different groups of road users, contrasting self-reported behavioral data with those reported by other users (proxied), and their outcomes. This systematic review followed the PRISMA methodology, which allows for the identification of relevant articles based on the research term. A total number of 222 indexed articles were filtered, and a final selection of 19 articles directly addressing the issue was obtained. Search strategies were developed and conducted in MEDLINE, WOS, Scopus and APA databases. It is remarkable how road users perceive themselves as behaviorally “safer” than the rest of road users in what concerns the knowledge of traffic norms and their on-road performance. In addition, and regardless of the type of user used as a source, self-reported data suggest their perceived likelihood to suffer a traffic crash is lesser if compared to any other user. On the other hand, proxied reports tend to undervalue third users' performance, and to perceive riskier behaviors and crash-related risks among them. The outputs of this systematic review support the idea that the perception of road users' behavior and its related risks substantially differ according to the source. It is also necessary to increase the number, coverage and rigor of studies on this matter, perhaps through complementary and mixed measures, in order to properly understand and face the bias on road users' risk-related behaviors.

The creation and dissemination of downloadable information on dementia and driving from a social health perspective

BACKGROUND

Driving cessation is a likely consequence of progressive dementia. Patients and families can benefit from support through this transition, both to safeguard the patient and public and to help preserve healthy social activity of the patient.

METHODS

To provide appropriate supportive information, we developed a 35-page manual ('Supporting family caregivers of older drivers with dementia') available as a free download from our department website. We then informed municipal governments of its availability, tracked website access metrics, and followed up 7 months later with a postal survey to the heads of each municipal government's department of welfare for older citizens.

RESULTS

From February to September 2010, the manual was accessed 33 494 times. Of the 1750 municipalities sent surveys, we received 1067 responses (61%). The responses showed that 943 professionals (94.6%) were able to obtain information they needed from the manual, 247 (23%) had used the manual to help residents during the 7 months, and 89% of those who used the manual used it to provide relevant advice to family caregivers. The responses also showed that significantly more use occurred in towns and villages as opposed to cities, consistent with the limited public transportation options in smaller municipalities (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

We anticipate that use of this manual will raise general awareness of this social health issue and facilitate collaborations to provide more social support for those with dementia and their family members.

Self-assessed driving behaviors associated with age among middle-aged and older adults in Japan

With the increasing number of older drivers, road traffic safety is an urgent public health issue. It is not easy for older drivers or their relatives to detect early signs of dangerous driving behaviors. We examine the types of driving behavior that increase in frequency with age. We surveyed people aged 40 and over among the general public in Japan using a self-administered questionnaire on sociodemographic factors, driving status, frequency of driving, 12-items on physical symptoms possibly related to driving performance, and 28-items on driving behaviors. Multiple logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios (OR) of occurrence of each of the 28 driving behaviors for a 5-year increase in age. Significant associations with a 5-year increase in age after adjusting for confounding factors were found for the following directly unsafe driving behaviors: (1) little or no sign of attempts to avoid dangerous situations (OR for a 5-year increase in age=1.38, 95% CI: 1.18-1.63); (2) lack of attention to other people and cars (1.33, 1.12-1.60); (3) improper maneuvering around curves (1.33, 1.09-1.65); and (4) improper or no turn signals (1.33, 1.06-1.69). Information about these driving behaviors should be given to drivers and their stakeholders and used to caution participants when implementing educational programs for older drivers. Self-assessment of driving ability in older drivers provides useful information to raise awareness of their driving performance.

Implementation of municipal mobility support services for older people who have stopped driving in Japan

OBJECTIVES

In a motorized society, increasing numbers of drivers and their family members will have to face the issue of driving cessation late in life due to dementia or age-related conditions. Mobility support for driving retirees should be considered from a public health perspective. Compared with alternative forms of transportation, relying on family members and friends, municipality-provided mobility support services would be more reliable and practical. The present study aimed to explore the provision of mobility support measures at the community level.

STUDY DESIGN

A cross-sectional study of all municipal governments in Japan.

METHODS

A nationwide survey was conducted using a postal self-administered questionnaire to explore the allocation of municipality-provided mobility support measures for two target groups: (1) healthy older residents and (2) older residents with dementia. The possible sociodemographic characteristics of municipalities affecting the implementation of such measures were examined.

RESULTS

Data from 1027 (56.8%) municipal governments were analysed. The present study demonstrated that mobility support measures for older residents, particularly dementia sufferers, were not sufficiently developed in municipalities. Moreover, the analyses showed that the following three characteristics of municipalities were related to the implementation of mobility support measures for healthy older residents: longer roads, low percentage of older residents per unit of road length, and low population density.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide insight into the possible incentives for implementing mobility support for healthy older residents, and indicate the prospective mobility needs of driving retirees, including dementia sufferers.