Publication Details

The premature reduction and cessation of driving by older men and women 

Type: Paper

Subtype: Final report

Author(s): Stutts, Jane C.; Wilkins, Jean W.; Reinfurt, Donald W.; Rodgman, Eric A.; Van Heusen-Causey, Sarah

Pages: 162

Publisher: UNC Highway Safety Research Center

Url: https://finding-aids.lib.unc.edu/40114/

Publication Date: Apr-2001

Address: Chapel Hill, NC

Abstract: Americans value their mobility, and especially the level of personal mobility afforded by travel in an automobile, van, or other private vehicle. According to 1995 Nationwide Personal Transportation Survey (NPTS) data, nearly nine of every ten trips taken in the U.S. are by private vehicle (Hu and Young, 1999). Since 1983, the percentage of private vehicle trips has increased, while the percentage of public transit and walking trips has actually decreased. This trend likely reflects the increasing percentage of Americans living in the suburbs rather than in central cities, and the corresponding increase in travel distances and decrease in public transit availability' The goal of the current project was to move beyond these studies to focus more specifically on those factors associated with a premature reduction or cessation of driving that might be remediated through education or training, exercise and wellness, adaptive devices, rehabilitation, and vehicle design. The project also sought to gather information on older persons’ attitudes about driving and the impact of driving reduction or cessation on mobility and quality of life. A final goal of the project was to explore potential interventions for counteracting the premature reduction or cessation of driving and extending the period during which older adults are able to provide for their own mobility needs with safety and confidence.