The LongROAD Study – Longitudinal Research on Aging Drivers
Summary
In 2016 there were 41.5 million licensed older drivers 65 years or older. This age group is growing faster than any other age group. Older drivers 75-79 saw the largest single-year percentage increase (4.98 percent over the previous year). Although driving allows older adults to meet their mobility needs and to stay independent, a number of age-related functional impairments, medical conditions and medication side effects can compromise driving abilities.
To understand and meet the safe mobility needs of older adult drivers, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety (AAAFTS) launched the Longitudinal Research on Aging Drivers study (LongROAD) with the goals to:
- Better understand the major protective and risk factors of safe driving in older adults
- Assess the effects of medical conditions and medications on driving behavior and safety
- Investigate the mechanisms through which older adults self-regulate their driving behaviors to cope with functional declines as they age
- Determine the extent, use and effects of new vehicle technology and aftermarket vehicle adaptations among older drivers
- Identify the determinants and health consequences of driving cessation during the process of aging
Study sites
Data Coordinating Site
Latest Research
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems and Older Drivers: Changes in Prevalence, Use, and Perceptions Over 3 Years of the AAA LongROAD Study
- Effects of Hearing Impairment on Driving Exposure and Patterns Among a Large Cohort of Older Drivers: AAA LongROAD Study
- Older Drivers and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
- Predictors of Rapid Deceleration Events among Older Drivers: AAA LongROAD Study