Aging and the Perception of Driving Risk and Ability

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine how the perceived risk in certain driving situations and the perceived competence to handle such situations varies with age. Subjects in 3 age categories (18–25), (35–50), (65–75) made risk estimates for themselves and their peers for a variety of driving situations presented on videotape. In addition, they estimated confidence in their ability to handle such situations. In general, it was found that both younger and older drivers tended to underestimate the risk and overestimate their ability to handle the risk when compared with the intermediate age group. The implications of the findings are discussed in terms of risk taking behavior on the roads.