Publications
Discover the research published by our group.
Refreshing Older Adults’ Driving Skills (ROADSkills): A randomized controlled trial examining the effect of video feedback
Ruheena Sangrar, Lauren E. Griffith, Lori Letts, Jinhui Ma, Michelle M. Porter, Brenda Vrkljan
Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour 2022
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This study evaluated the effectiveness of a personalized video-based driver training program on the behind-the-wheel skills of community-dwelling older adults in a randomized controlled trial. A novel, video-based approach that provided personalized feedback to older drivers significantly reduced behind-the-wheel errors 4-weeks post-intervention. Changes in self-reported driving behaviors and abilities were not significant. Future research will examine the long-term effects of this approach on older adults’ actual and perceived driving abilities.
​Older Adults’ Motivations for Participating in a “Tune-Up” of Their Driving Skills: A Multi-Stakeholder Analysis
Ruheena Sangrar, Kyung Joon Mun, Lauren E. Griffith, Lori Letts, Brenda Vrkljan
Journal of Applied Gerontology 2020
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Driver training has the potential to keep older adults safe behind-the-wheel for longer, yet there is limited evidence describing factors that influence their willingness to participate in training. Focus groups with community-dwelling older drivers (n = 23; 70–90 years) and semi-structured interviews with driving instructors (n = 6) and occupational therapists (n = 5) were conducted to identify these factors.
Older driver training programs: A systematic review of evidence aimed at improving behind-the-wheel performance
Ruheena Sangrar, Kyung Joon Mun, Michael Cammarata, Lauren E. Griffith, Lori Letts, Brenda Vrkljan
Journal of Safety Research 2019
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Age- and health-related changes, alongside declines in driving confidence and on-road exposure, have been implicated in crashes involving older drivers. Interventions aimed at improving behind-the-wheel behavior are diverse and their associated impact remains unclear. This systematic review examined evidence on older driver training with respect to (1) road safety knowledge; (2) self-perceived changes in driving abilities; and (3) behind-the-wheel performance. Interventions comprised of tailored training can improve knowledge of road safety, changes to self-perception of driving abilities, and improved behind-the-wheel performance of older drivers. Future research should compare modes of training delivery for this driver population to determine the optimal combinations of off- and/or on-road training.