Road Safety for an Aged Society Compliance with Traffic Regulations, Knowledge About Traffic Regulations, and Risk Factors of Older Drivers

This study investigated compliance of traffic regulations, knowledge about traffic regulations, and risk factors, including road geometrics and conditions and other drivers and road users, of older drivers (65+) compared with younger drivers (middle-aged drivers ages 35 to 64 and young drivers ages 19 to 34) on the basis of a self-reporting survey of active drivers in Seoul, South Korea. The analysis included 978 survey samples. The results showed that older drivers in general had patterns of compliance and knowledge of traffic regulations and driving risk factors similar to those of younger drivers. Stopping at stop signs was reported as the least complied traffic regulation for older (71.9%), middle-aged (78.2%), and young (74.6%) drivers. Furthermore, less than 15% of drivers in all age groups failed to demonstrate correct understanding on a flashing red light. However, this study found some statistically significant differences between driver age groups in compliance to traffic regulations, knowledge about traffic regulations, and risk factors. Older drivers were less likely than younger drivers to use cell phones and digital multimedia broadcasting devices while driving and to know the right-of-way associated with the order of access at uncontrolled intersections. In addition, older drivers were more likely to report small radii of intersection curbs as a driving risk factor. These findings have substantive implications in promoting older drivers' safety in the areas of intersection design, road management, and safety education in an aged society.