Video feedback intervention for cognitively impaired older drivers: A randomized clinical trial

Introduction: This clinical trial aimed to determine whether in-car video feedback about unsafe driving events (UDE) to cognitively impaired older drivers and family members leads to a reduction in such driving behaviors. Methods: We randomized 51 cognitively impaired older drivers to receive either (1) a weekly progress report with recommendations and access to their videos, or (2) video monitoring alone without feedback over 3 months. Results: UDE frequency/1000 miles was reduced by 12% in feedback (rate ratio [RR] = 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] =.58–1.34), while remaining constant with only monitoring (RR = 1.01, 95% CI =.68–1.51). UDE severity/1000 miles was reduced by 37% in feedback (RR = 0.63, 95% CI =.31–1.27), but increased by 40% in monitoring (RR = 1.40, 95% CI =.68–2.90). Cognitive impairment moderated intervention effects (P =.03) on UDE frequency. Discussion: Results suggest the potential to improve driving safety among mild cognitively impaired older drivers using a behavior modification approach aimed at problem behaviors detected in their natural driving environment.