New AAA Report Finds Genders Handle Reductions in Driving Differently
As older adults reduce their driving, men report struggling more and having fewer resources for making important life decisions.
According to new research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, when compared to women, men over 65 who have reduced driving in the last year report lower levels of social support when it comes to advice, suggestions and information about issues they may be facing.
“When it comes to older drivers, data from our study suggests there are perceived social support differences between older male and female drivers,” said Dr. David Yang, executive director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
Of the study’s nearly 3,000 participants, 1 in 5 older drivers reported reducing driving in the past year, with more women, 57%, than men, 43%, saying they had cut back on driving.
“Men and women who have reduced driving report similar levels of care and emotional support from friends and family, but older male drivers find it harder to seek out advice and guidance,” Yang said.
Past AAA Foundation research has found that many older adults reduce their driving, or self-regulate, to daytime, short trips, or familiar locations due to health issues and it can lead to overall declines in life satisfaction.
“Cutting back on driving may threaten older drivers’ sense of independence and emotional well-being, and it limits their ability to maintain social ties, remain active and engaged, and manage healthcare,” said AAA Traffic Safety Advocacy Project Manager Rhonda Shah. “Just like planning ahead for financial and healthcare needs in retirement, finding out more about local mobility choices – even before they are needed – can allow an older driver to plan for the day when it makes sense to limit or stop driving.”
While self-regulation may seem like a good solution to allow older drivers to continue driving safely, some changes can create unintended consequences on the roadway. For example, using side streets to avoid the freeway can also increase an older drivers’ risk of a crash by increasing the distance traveled and his/her exposure on the road.
