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Neuropsychologist Professor Karen Sullivan, who led a team of Queensland University of Technology (QUT) researchers, says older drivers think they are "considerably more skilled" than the average driver.
The study participants, who had average age of 71 and an average of 51 years' driving experience, were asked to rate their driving ability then undertake a hazard detection test on a computer simulation.
"Our analysis showed little relationship between the participants' performance on the hazard perception test and the ratings they gave themselves," Professor Sullivan says. "We also found that decreases in the ability to perceive potential hazards were not matched by a reduction in confidence in the ability to handle difficult driving conditions nor by avoiding these many potentially dangerous driving situations.
"This suggests that self-assessment is not an accurate way for older drivers to assess their driving." The study also found that older drivers tended to avoid dangerous situations such as school pick-up and drop-off times.
Professor Sullivan said the participants indicated they would be keen to have their doctor's input into whether they continue to drive.
"Other solutions could also be explored, such as looking at ways of improving older drivers' hazard perception because they are an important group in the road-using community, and have particular transportation needs," she says.
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