Motor vehicle crashes and drivers with DAT

Abstract

An increasing number of drivers with dementia is expected over the next few decades. From a public safety standpoint, there is concern that these drivers also will have an increased risk for motor vehicle crashes. This paper examines recent studies on motor vehicle crashes experienced by drivers with dementia and/or dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT). These studies were analyzed for their common findings, strengths, and limitations. Many studies reveal an increased crash rate for drivers with DAT compared with nondemented older drivers. Studies suggest that 50% of DAT drivers stop driving within 3 years of the onset of disease, the risk for a motor vehicle crash increases with the duration of driving after disease onset, males are at increased risk for crashes, dementia severity does not correlate with risk for a crash, and additional medical conditions may further contribute to crash risk. Areas of focus for future studies in this field are discussed.