CHARACTERISTICS OF DRIVERS REFERRED BY POLICE TO VICROADS: EVIDENCE FOR INDICATORS OF DECLINING DRIVING COMPETENCE. (7th October 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Di Stefano, M; Cai, S; Williams, T
• Is Part Of: Injury prevention. Volume 18(2012)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A16
• Page End: A16
• Publication Date: 2012-10-07
• Subjects: Children's accidents -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Accidents -- Prevention -- Periodicals; 617.1
• DOI: 10.1136/injuryprev-2012-040580b.4
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1353-8047

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Cognitive and physical impairments associated with health conditions and ageing may impact on driving capacity. With no age-based mandatory assessment, VicRoads relies on self and community referrals to initiate the process of identifying and managing potentially at-risk drivers. The majority of drivers reported to VicRoads are referred by police. As there is no published research which describes police referred drivers, this is an important study. Aims: Researchers sought to understand police referral information and the characteristics and medical review outcomes for a sample of drivers. Methods: A retrospective data mining methodology was applied to a sample of active de-identified driver files. Data were analysed using descriptive and χ 2 analyses. Results: Driver files (n=131) were reviewed and police referrals (n=141) were examined (some files had >1 referral). Average driver age was 76 years and 92% had at least one medical diagnosis. The majority of referrals (n=133) described an instigating event for example, poor driving (80%) and/or a crash (68%), with most occurring at intersections (37%) or in car parks (20%). Events were commonly associated with inappropriate/dangerous driving (62%) or failing to obey road laws (47%). The review process resulted in licence cancellation/suspension for 46% of drivers: licence withdrawal was associated with increasing age, certain medical conditions, poor driving and inappropriate driver behaviour. Significance: Police play an important role in DLA medical review systems: results highlight (a) what triggers a review request and driver characteristics, and (b) the need to educate police and the community about indicators of declining driving competency.