Adaptive driving, not unsafe: Older drivers’ compensatory strategies and lower simulated crash risk

OBJECTIVES: The global aging population has led to an increasing number of older active drivers. While age-related physical and cognitive changes are associated with increased crash risk, specific on-road adaptations and safety outcomes of older drivers remain unclear. This study examined distinct driving characteristics, personality traits, and cognitive processes related to decision-making among middle-aged and older drivers in a simulated driving environment. METHODS: We assessed driving performance in a high-fidelity motorcycle simulator across drivers in three age groups: middle-aged (30-54; n = 40), aged 65-74 (n = 34), and aged 75 + (75-86; n = 29). Comparative analysis focused on speed regulation, braking behavior, control stability, and accident rates. Additionally, questionnaire measures and a computerized decision-making task were employed to assess risk perception and risky decision-making. RESULTS: Compared to the middle-aged group, both older groups demonstrated a significantly more conservative driving profile: lower mean speeds, fewer speeding violations, longer braking maneuvers, reduced variation in throttle control, and a lower incidence of simulated accidents. Drivers aged 75+ also reported higher perceived risk in driving scenarios and displayed diminished discrimination between risk and non-risk situations in a braking decision task. Mediation analyses showed that steering variance in the simulator and self-reported health/safety risk-taking significantly mediated the relationship between age group and number of accidents. DISCUSSION: The findings indicate that older drivers adopt proactive compensatory strategies that could result in fewer simulated accidents. These findings challenge a purely deficit-oriented perspective on older driver safety, underscoring the critical role of behavioral adaptation and strategic self-regulation in maintaining safe mobility.