Development and Validation of an Awareness Toolfor Safe and Responsible Driving (OSCAR)
O. T. Mélanie Levasseur *
Research Centre on Aging, Health and Social Services Centre-University Institute of Geriatrics of Sherbrooke (CSSS-IUGS), 1036 Belvedere South, Sherbrooke (Quebec), J1H 4C4, Canada and Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, 3001 12th Avenue North, Sherbrooke (Quebec), J1H 5N4, Canada.
Thérèse Audet
Research Centre on Aging, Health and Social Services Centre-University Institute of Geriatrics of Sherbrooke (CSSS-IUGS), 1036 Belvedere South, Sherbrooke (Quebec), J1H 4C4, Canada and Faculty of Humanities, University of Sherbrooke, 2500 University Boulevard, Sherbrooke (Quebec), J1K 2R1, Canada.
O. T. Isabelle Gélinas
Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal, 2275, Laurier East Street, Room 214, Montreal (Quebec), H2H 2N8, Canada and School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, 3654 Promenade Sir William Osler, Montreal (Quebec), H3G 1Y5, Canada.
Michel Bédard
Center for Research on Safe Driving, Lakehead University (Room BB 1043), 955 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay (Ontario), P7B 5E1, Canada.
O. T. Marie-Ève Langlais
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, 3001 12th Avenue North, Sherbrooke (Quebec), J1H 5N4, Canada and Eastern Townships Rehabilitation Center, 300 King East Street, Room 200, Sherbrooke (Quebec), J1G 1B1, Canada.
O. T. France-Hélène Therrien
Research Centre on Aging, Health and Social Services Centre-University Institute of Geriatrics of Sherbrooke (CSSS-IUGS), 1036 Belvedere South, Sherbrooke (Quebec), J1H 4C4, Canada and Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, 3001 12th Avenue North, Sherbrooke (Quebec), J1H 5N4, Canada.
O. D. Judith Renaud
School of Optometry, University of Montreal, 3744 Jean-Brillant, Room 110, Montreal (Quebec), H3T 1P1, Canada.
Monia D’Amours
Research Centre on Aging, Health and Social Services Centre-University Institute of Geriatrics of Sherbrooke (CSSS-IUGS), 1036 Belvedere South, Sherbrooke (Quebec), J1H 4C4, Canada.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Declines in driving ability may jeopardize the safety of older drivers and other road users.
Objective: This study aimed to develop and validate an awareness tool to foster and maintain the mobility of older drivers through safe driving.
Methods: A scoping study was conducted to select the best questions and tips to increase older drivers’ awareness, followed by a validation with 12 older drivers.
Results: The awareness tool informs older drivers about competency as well as compensatory strategies for safe and responsible driving (OSCAR). It includes 15 questions and 15 tips on aging and driving. Participants were very interested in the tool, and confirmed its relevance and usefulness. Finally, the majority of older drivers said they would recommend OSCAR to other people and use it to discuss their concerns regarding driving with their family or health care professional.
Conclusions: Concise, complete, clear, accurate and written in accessible language, OSCAR fosters awareness and enables seniors to identify changes in themselves and learn about compensatory strategies and resources. While promoting safe driving and the prevention of collisions and injuries on the roads, OSCAR could ultimately allow seniors to maintain or increase their mobility in the community and their social participation.
Keywords: Older drivers, awareness tool, safe driving, compensatory strategies