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2010 Driver Safety Program Evaluation:

A comparison of baseline and follow-up

findings

June 2011

2010 Driver Safety Program Evaluation: A comparison of

baseline and follow-up findings

Data Collected by; Alan Newman Research

Report Prepared by; Laura Skufca, M.A.

© Copyright 2011 AARP

Research & Strategic Analysis 601 E Street, NW

Washington, DC 20049 http://research.aarp.org

Reprinting with Permission

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with a membership that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 35.1 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's millions of members and Americans 50+; AARP VIVA, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The views expressed herein are for information, debate, and discussion, and do not necessarily represent official policies of AARP.

Acknowledgements This work was done for the AARP Driver Safety Program. The author would like to thank the Driver Safety Program staff and volunteers for their input and collaboration and Alan Newman Research (ANR) for collecting and tabulating the data. Teresa Keenan, Ph.D. reviewed this report and Jennifer Leslie prepared the report for publication. For additional information, contact Laura Skufca at (202) 434-6285.

2010 Driver Safety Program Evaluation: A comparison of baseline and follow-up findings 1

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Background The AARP Driver Safety Program is the nation’s first and largest classroom course for drivers age 50 and older. The program has served over ten million people since its inception in 1979. The program was created to encourage safe driving among people age 50 and older. The course teaches participants the effects of aging on driving behaviors and how to adjust driving behaviors to accommodate for these changes. In the past, the Driver Safety Program course has been evaluated via a mail survey among a sample of graduates after they complete the course. Behavior change was assessed during these evaluations; however, there were no baseline findings to compare the results to. In 2010, baseline surveys were collected among a sample of participants before they took the course to learn about their driving behaviors before being exposed to the course. For more information regarding the baseline survey and wave 1 data, please see the report 2010 AARP Driver Safety Program Wave One Evaluation. The purpose of this survey was to re-assess participants’ driving behaviors as well as knowledge of course retention approximately one month after they completed the AARP Driver Safety Program Course (Wave 2). An additional long-term follow-up study will be conducted approximately 4 months after participants completed the course (Wave 3) to assess long-term changes in both driving behaviors and retention of course knowledge. Methodology Data for this study were obtained via a sample of 1,228 participants who took the AARP Driver Safety Course in the fall of 2010. Responses were divided between classroom participants (n=460) and online participants (n=668). Classroom participants’ data were obtained via a mail survey and online participants’ data were obtained via a web-based survey. Both classroom and online participants were invited to participate in this follow-up study approximately one month after completing the course. Follow-up surveys were collected on a rolling basis beginning December 1, 2010 and ending March 1, 2011. A reminder post-card was sent to all participants who had yet to respond within a month of receiving the survey. Of the 2, 347 DSP participants who completed a baseline survey and participated in the wave one evaluation, 2, 004 participants agreed to be re-contacted to participate in the follow-up evaluations. Responses were received from 1, 128 participants producing a response rate of 56%. A sample size of 1, 128 participants yields a margin of error of +/- 2.9% at the 95% confidence level. This means that in 95 out of 100 samples of this size, the results obtained in this sample would be within +/- 2.9 percentage points of the results obtained had everyone in the population been surveyed.


Key Findings

Almost all of the participants (97%) indicated that they have changed at least one key driving behavior as a result of what they learned in the AARP Driver Safety Program course.

The percentage of participants who drive daily decreased from the baseline to follow-up period. This finding was especially true among drivers age 65 and older.

As a result of the course, many participants are engaging in self-policing behaviors. For example, significant differences were found in the number of participants who reported always limiting their driving at night (14% at baseline vs. 21% during the follow-up), in bad weather (16% at baseline vs. 24% at follow-up), and on highways/freeways (10% vs. 12%).

Classroom participants, women, and older participants reported more self-

policing behaviors (e.g., limiting long-distance driving, limiting driving at night) than online participants, men, and younger participants.

Health status plays a significant role in driving behavior. During both evaluation periods, those with a poorer health status drove less often. In addition, participants who rated their health as good, fair, or poor said they drove less often than they did during their baseline evaluation (44% drove daily at baseline compared to only 35% during the follow-up survey). Participants who rated their health status as excellent did not report any significant changes in driving behavior between the two time periods.

The percentage of participants who correctly answered the course content questions increased, some dramatically, from the baseline to follow-up period. For example, during the baseline evaluation 37% of participants were able to identify the most common traffic violation among older people compared to 56% during the follow-up evaluation.

Experience with the AARP course was positive. More than eight in ten (83%) participants said they would be likely to take the course again. Seven in ten (71%) participants reported that the course met their expectations to a great extent and 88% felt the course was worthwhile.

The AARP DSP course has an excellent membership benefit in addition to its social impact benefit. More than four in ten (42%) members indicated that they were more likely to join AARP as a result of the course.


Conclusions Participants who took the AARP Driver Safety Program Course have clearly demonstrated positive changes in their driving behaviors. Since engagement in safe driving behaviors was high during the baseline period, we did not expect to see drastic changes in behavior. However, significant differences did emerge as many participants report engaging in the safe driving behaviors on a more frequent basis. In addition, the course has increased participants’ self-confidence in their driving skills and the majority of participants believe the course has prevented them from being involved in an accident. Participants have also demonstrated a greater knowledge of driver safety information which indicates that the material they learned during the course was retained. Experience with the course was very positive. This has been the case in the past as many course participants are repeat participants. The majority of participants indicated that they would be likely to take the course in the future and that it was worth the time they devoted to the course. An additional noteworthy finding is that many AARP members indicated that they were more likely to renew their membership as a result of the course and some non-members were more likely to join the Association as a result of the course. The results of this evaluation suggest that the AARP course is effective in changing participants’ behavior as well as increasing their knowledge of driver safety information. In addition to a social impact benefit of improving driver safety, the course also serves as a vehicle to draw older adults to AARP. DETAILED FINDINGS

General driving behaviors Participants in this study continue to be active drivers. Eighty percent of the participants reported driving at least four days per week.

Participants who took the online course (50%) were more likely than participants who took the classroom course (37%) to report driving daily. This finding may simply be due to age as online participants tend to be younger than classroom participants. Older participants (age 65+) were less likely than younger participants (<65) to report driving daily (39% vs. 56%).

Interestingly, we found a slight decrease in the percentage of participants who reported driving daily (51% at baseline compared to 45% during the follow-up). It may be that the course led some participants, especially older drivers, to limit their driving.

During the baseline survey, forty-seven percent of seniors (age 65+) drove daily compared to only 39% of seniors during the follow-up survey.


Not surprisingly, and consistent with baseline findings, health status plays a role in how often participants drive. During the baseline and follow-up evaluations, we found that participants who rated their health as excellent drove more often than those who rated their health as good, fair, or poor.

Furthermore, during the follow-up evaluation, participants with a good, fair, or poor

self-reported health status drove less often than they did at their baseline evaluation (44% at baseline vs. 35% at follow-up). Participants who rated their health status as excellent did not report any changes in the frequency of their driving.

Confidence in driving abilities increased from the baseline to follow-up study. Participants were asked to rate their driving abilities on a 7-point scale with “1” being not at all confident and “7” being extremely confident. The percentage of participants who rated their driving abilities as a “6” or “7” increased from 76% to 84%.

Confidence in driving ability increased at least slightly among most demographic groups from the baseline to follow-up period. Significant increases were found particularly among classroom participants who rated their driving abilities as a “6” or “7” (63% at baseline to 78%), women (71% at baseline to 81%) and drivers age 65+ (72% at baseline to 82%).

During the baseline survey, with many participants already engaging in safe driving behaviors, we did not expect to see drastic changes during the follow-up period. However, many significant changes in behavior were noted. Almost all of the participants (97%) changed at least one key driving behavior as a result of what they learned in the course. Table 1 presents this data in more detail.

Participants are engaging in many self-policing behaviors after taking the DSP course. For example, significant differences were found in the number of participants who reported always limiting their driving at night (14% at baseline vs. 21% during the follow-up), in bad weather (16% at baseline vs. 24% at follow-up), and on highways/freeways (10% vs. 12%).

Classroom participants, women, and older participants were more likely to engage in self-policing behaviors (limiting night time driving, driving in bad weather, highway driving, etc.) than online participants, men, and younger participants (see Table 2).

Positive changes were also observed with other driving behaviors. For example, during the baseline survey, 28% of participants said they sometimes avoided left turns compared to 39% during the follow-up survey.

Participants also reported making changes to their vehicle as a result of the course. For example, more than half (54%) reported adjusting their mirrors and 29% adjusted their seats and/or steering wheel. Classroom participants were more likely to indicate making changes to their vehicle whereas online participants were more likely to say they considered purchasing a new vehicle with more safety features. Online participants tend to be younger and may be more interested in newer vehicles that have more modern advancements.


Table 1

Frequency of engaging in safe driving behaviors Pre Course and Post Course1

Behavior Always

Prea Postb Sometimes

Prea Postb Rarely

Pre a Postb Never

Prea Postb Wear your seat belt 96% 97% 2% 1% <1% <1% <1% <1%

Pay more attention when entering/exiting highways

93%b 89% 4% 8%a <1% 1% <1% 1%

Check your blind spots 88% 91% 9% 7% <1% <1% <1% <1%

Keeping your eyes moving/scanning traffic

88% 91% 9% 8% <1% <1% <1% <1%

Yield right of way 88% 90% 9% 8% <1% <1% <1% <1%

Limit the use of cell phones while driving

81% 84%a 13% 10% 1% 1% 2% 2%

Try to park in safe, well lit areas

80% 80% 16% 16% 1% 1% <1% 1%

Ensure you maintain a safe following distance

78% 83%a 19%b 16% <1% <1% <1% <1%

Look for safety features when buying a car

73%b 63% 18% 18% 4% 3% 1% 7%

Check new medications for their effects on driving

65%b 56% 15% 17% 7% 9% 6% 12%

Limit driving in bad weather 16% 24%a 53% 54% 19%b 14% 9% 7%

Limit driving at night 14% 21%a 39% 44%a 21% 17% 24% 17%

Limit long distance driving 14% 18%a 34% 40%a 21% 19% 29% 22%

Limit driving on highways and freeways

10% 12%a 26% 29% 23% 25% 38% 32%

Avoid left turns 7% 9% 28% 39%a 22% 25% 38% 25%

Base: 2,347 (Pre/Baseline) and 1,228 (Post/Follow-up) Source: 2010 AARP Driver Safety Program Evaluation: A comparison of baseline and follow-up findings, March, 2011

1 Bold face percents in columns (which represent demographic subgroups) are significantly higher than percents in adjacent columns. Superscripts (a/b) indicate those columns in which there is a statistically significant difference.


Table 2 Percentage of Participants Who Always or Sometimes Engage in the

Following Self-Policing Behaviors2

By course type, age, and gender

Behavior Total Course type Classrooma Onlineb

Age <65c 65+d

Gender Malee Femalef

Limit the use of cell phones while driving

94% 84% 84% 83% 85% 82% 86%e

Limit driving on

highways and freeways 41% 49%b 35% 33% 45%c 29% 51%e

Limit driving in bad weather

78% 78% 78% 78% 78% 74% 82%f

Limit driving at night 65% 66% 64%

61% 67%c 58% 72%f

Limit long-distance driving

58% 63%b 54% 52% 61%c 49% 67%f

Base: 1,128 (All follow-up participants) Source: 2010 AARP Driver Safety Program Evaluation: A comparison of baseline and follow-up findings, March, 2011 Course knowledge Almost eight in ten participants (79%) felt that the information they learned in the course prevented them from being involved in a traffic incident. In order to measure retention of course knowledge, participants were asked a few questions regarding content that was covered in the class. These questions were asked during both the baseline (before they were introduced to the material) and follow-up survey to assess whether the course increased their knowledge and whether this knowledge was retained over time. Significant differences were found between the baseline and follow-up survey regarding the percentage of participants who were able to correctly answer these questions. Online and younger participants were more likely to answer some of the questions correctly than classroom and older participants. Since online participants tend to be younger in general, it may be that age alone accounts for these differences rather than type of course taken. Table 3 presents the questions asked and the percentage of participants who answered each item correctly.

2 Bold face percents in columns (which represent demographic subgroups) are significantly higher than percents in adjacent columns. Superscripts (a/b/, c/d, e/f) indicate those columns in which there is a statistically significant difference.


Table 3

Percentage of participants who answered the following questions correctly Baseline and follow-up comparisons

Question Percent correct

Baseline Follow-up

What is the most common traffic violation among older drivers? Answer = failure to observe the right-of-way

37% 56%

The best way to change lanes is to? Answer = Check mirrors, signal, glance over shoulder, check mirrors again, then change lanes

78% 94%

The formula to use to determine a safe following distance is? Answer = A three-second following distance

33% 82%

The best way to bring your car out of a skid is to? Answer = Steer in the direction the back of the car is skidding

89% 95%

Base: 2,347 (Pre/Baseline) and 1,228 (Post/Follow-up) Source: 2010 AARP Driver Safety Program Evaluation: A comparison of baseline and follow-up findings, March, 2011.

Experiences with the Driver Safety Program Course Experience with the AARP course was positive. More than eight in ten (83%) participants said they would be either extremely likely (56%) or very likely (27%) to take the course again. Seven in ten (71%) participants reported that the course met their expectations to a great extent and 88% felt the course was worthwhile. Additionally, almost nine in ten (89%) would recommend the course to friends or relatives. Classroom and online participants were equally pleased with the course. Figure 1 presents this data in more detail.

Figure 1 Participants’ Experiences with the DSP Course

Base: 1,128 (All follow-up participants) Source: 2010 AARP Driver Safety Program Evaluation: A comparison of baseline and follow-up findings, March, 2011.

56%

56%

27%

34%

10%

8%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Liklihood of taking the coures again

Liklihood of recommending the course to a friend

Extremely likely Very likely Somewhat likely


The AARP DSP course has an excellent membership benefit in addition to its social impact benefit. More than four in ten (42%) members indicated that they were more likely to renew their membership as a result of the course. In addition, almost two in ten non-members (17%) indicated that they were more likely to join AARP as a result of the course (see Figure 2).

Figure 2

Membership benefit as a result of the DSP course

Base: 1, 228 (All follow-up participants) Source: 2010 AARP Driver Safety Program Evaluation: A comparison of baseline and follow-up findings, March, 2011. Participants learned about the AARP course from a variety of outlets. The most commonly reported were insurance companies (34%) and AARP publications (32%). Figure 3 presents the ways in which participants learned about the course.

42%

17%

56%60%

1%

21%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

Renew AARP membership Join AARP

More likely As likely Less likely


Figure 3

Ways in which respondents learned about the DSP course

Base: 1,128 (All follow-up participants) Source: 2010 AARP Driver Safety Program Evaluation: A comparison of baseline and follow-up findings, March, 2011.

Not surprisingly, AARP members were more likely than non-members to hear about the course via AARP publications. However, a few other noteworthy differences did emerge.

Online participants (39%) were more likely than classroom participants (27%) to say they heard about the course from their insurance company. They were also more likely to say they heard about the course from the AARP website (31% vs. 7%). The latter finding may simply be due to the amount of Internet usage among participants. Online participants tend to be younger and we know that age is negatively correlated with Internet usage.

Classroom participants (28%) were more likely to say they heard about the course via word of mouth than online participants (18%). They were also more likely to hear about the course via a local newspaper, radio, or television show (20% vs. 4%). This may indicate that the AARP classroom course is more well-known among the general public than the online course.

Baseline survey findings indicated that the majority of participants enrolled in the course for the insurance discount. More than eight in ten participants (86%) received an auto insurance discount as a result of taking the course.

1%

1%

6%

9%

10%

22%

22%

32%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Major media

Event or conference

AARP volunteer

AARP Postcard reminder

Local newspaper

AARP Website

Word of mouth

AARP Publication


The majority of participants received a discount of up to $49 (46%) or $50-$99 (32%). Many insurance companies seem to be promoting the AARP course and its corresponding discount as 54% of participants learned about the discount via their insurance company. Another three in ten (36%) learned about the discount via an AARP Publication. New Driver Safety Tools In order to gauge interest in a variety of new driver safety-related tools, participants were asked to read a description of three new potential tools and rate their level of interest on a ten-point scale with “1” being not at all interested and “10” being very interested. Interest in these tools was quite positive. Both Brain “Training” and Visual Processing Enhancement received an average score of 6.7 and the Driver Safety Webinars received an average score of 6.0. No significant demographic differences emerged. Brain “Training” “You can reduce crash risk by improving your brain fitness. This activity uses fun, interactive training that uses computer-based games that help you think faster, focus better and react quicker on the road. New research has shown that “brain training” in adults can actually improve the cognitive skills that help you remain a safe driver longer.”

Almost half of the participants (49%) assigned Brain “Training” a rating of “8” or above.

Free Driver Safety Webinars

“Topics in these 10-minute web-based seminars may include: Increasing your awareness of the effects of medication on driving, guidance on how to recognize driver safety warning signs and start productive, caring conversations with older adults about driving safety, how to use your car’s technology to drive more safely, new technologies to consider when purchasing a new vehicle and a refresher on your state’s “Rules of the Road”.” Three in ten participants (38%) assigned the Webinars a rating of “8” or above.

Visual Processing Enhancement

“As we age our ability to react quickly slows down. Assess your response time using online driving simulation scenarios and follow the fun interactive suggestions to improve your score. Simulation activities include scanning around vehicles for merging and passing, demonstrating situational awareness, interpreting signage and reacting to pedestrians and other diversions.

More than four in ten (47%) assigned Visual Processing Enhancement a rating of “8” or above.


Conclusions Participants who took the AARP Driver Safety Program Course have clearly demonstrated positive changes in their driving behaviors. Since engagement in safe driving behaviors was high during the baseline period, we did not expect to see drastic changes in behavior. However, significant differences did emerge as many participants report engaging in the safe driving behaviors on a more frequent basis. In addition, the course has increased participants’ self-confidence in their driving skills and the majority of participants believe the course has prevented them from being involved in an accident. Participants have also demonstrated a greater knowledge of driver safety information which indicates that the material they learned during the course was retained. Experience with the course was very positive. This has been the case in the past as many course participants are repeat participants. The majority of participants indicated that they would be likely to take the course in the future and that it was worth the time they devoted to the course. An additional noteworthy finding is that many AARP members indicated that they were more likely to renew their membership as a result of the course and some non-members were more likely to join the Association as a result of the course. The results of this evaluation suggest that the AARP course is effective in changing participants’ behavior as well as increasing their knowledge of driver safety information. In addition to a social impact benefit of improving driver safety, the course also serves a vehicle to draw older adults to AARP.


Appendix A: Annotated Questionnaire

AARP Driver Safety Program Research

First Follow-Up Survey

March 2011


Dear Driver Safety Program Course Participant:

AARP is evaluating its Driver Safety Program Course and requesting feedback from you. We

appreciate you agreeing to be re‐contacted so that we can learn about your experiences with

the course. This short survey will only take a few moments of your time to complete and

will provide valuable information.

Please answer each question. Your answers are confidential and will be used for research

purposes only. When you complete the survey, place it in the enclosed pre‐addressed postage

paid envelope, and drop it in the mail

Sincerely,

Julie Lee

Director, AARP Driver Safety Program

Driving Behaviors

1. Typically, how many days per week do you drive? (Please check ONE response.)

Baseline n=2,347

%

Follow‐up n=1128

%

51 45 Every day (Skip to Question 3 )

31 35 4 to 6 days (Skip to Question 3)

16 18 1 to 3 days (Skip to Question 3 )

2 2 Less than once a week (Skip to Question 3 )

1 <1 I no longer drive (Go to Question 2 )

<1 <1 Refused/ skipped/ answered incorrectly

2. If you no longer drive, why not? (Answer question and then skip to Question 4)

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________


3. On average how many miles do you drive per week?

Baseline n=2,335 %

Follow‐up n=1124 %

16 16 0 – 24 miles

26 25 25 – 49 miles

28 30 50 – 99 miles

17 19 100 – 199 miles

8 9 200 or more miles

5 2 Refused/ skipped/ answered incorrectly

4. What is the most common traffic violation committed by older drivers?

5. The best way to change lanes is to?

Baseline n=2,347

%

Follow‐up n=1128

%

18 9 Following too closely

37 56 Failure to observe the right‐of‐way

16 5 Not stopping for stop signs or traffic lights

18 26 Making an improper left turn


Baseline n=2,347

%

Follow‐up n=1128

%

19 4 Signal, check mirrors, then change lanes

1 <1 Signal if other cars are present, then change lanes

78 94 Check mirrors, signal, glance over your shoulder, check mirrors

again, then change lanes

0 0 Trust your instincts and go for it



6. The formula to use to determine a safe following distance is?

7. The best way to bring your car out of a skid is to?

8. Please rate your overall confidence in your driving abilities using a 7‐point scale where “1” is not at all confident and “7” is extremely confident. (Please circle ONE number.)

Not at Extremely

all confident confident

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Baseline n=2,347

%

Follow‐up n=1128

%

<1 <1 1 – Not at all confident

<1 0 2

1 <1 3

2 2 4

12 11 5

38 43 6

38 41 7 – Extremely confident


Baseline n=2,347

%

Follow‐up n=1128

%

43 7 One vehicle length for each 10 mph of speed

5 4 A two‐second following distance

33 82 A three‐second following distance

17 5 Allow 10 feet between vehicles for each 10 miles per hour of the

speed you are traveling


Baseline n=2,347

%

Follow‐up n=1128

%

4 2 Brake to slow down

89 95 Steer in the direction the back of the car is skidding

1 1 Turn the steering wheel quickly back and forth until the skid

stops

3 1 Let the car continue to slide until it stops



9. Since taking the course, have you felt that the information you learned has helped prevent you from being involved in a traffic incident or car crash?

Follow‐up

n=1128%

79 Yes

20 No

2 Refused/ skipped/ answered incorrectly

10. Have you ever undertaken any of the following activities to improve your driving as a result of what you learned in the AARP Driver Safety Program Course?

Baseline n=2,347

%

Follow‐up n=1128

% (Please check ALL applicable responses.)

32 41 Worked independently on flexibility and/or strength training

14 10 Spoken with your doctor about the effects of medications on your

driving

70 39 Had your vision checked

12 6 Worked with an occupational therapist, trainer, or other specialist to

improve physical abilities

17 20 Online gaming/brain training

18 9 Other (Please specify :__________________________)

11 33 None of the above


11. Have you made any changes to your vehicle as a result of the AARP Driver Safety Program Course?

Follow‐up

n=1128%( Please check ALL applicable responses.)

54 Adjusted the mirrors

29 Adjusted the seat/steering wheel positions

2 Added any hardware to facilitate safe driving

9 Considered purchasing another vehicle with more safety features (e.g.,

airbags, electronic stability control)

4 Other (Please specify :__________________________)

35 None of the above



12. As a result of what you learned in the AARP Driver Safety Program Course, how often do you engage in the following driving‐related behaviors?

n=2,347

% n=1128

%

2,347

%

1128

%

2,347

%

1128 %

2,347 %

1128

%

2,347

%

1128

%

Driving Behavior Always Sometimes Rarely Never Ref./ skipped/

answ. incorr.

Wear your seat belt 96 97 2 1 <1 <1 <1 <1 2 1

Check your blind spots 88 91 9 7 <1 <1 <1 <1 3 1

Avoid left turns 7 9 28 39 22 25 38 25 5 2

Pay more attention

when entering or

exiting highways 93 89 4 8 <1 1 <1 1 3 2

Yield right of way 88 90 9 8 <1 <1 0 <1 3 2

Ensure you maintain a

safe following distance 78 83 19 16 <1 0 <1 <1 2 1

Keeping your eyes

moving/scanning traffic 88 91 9 8 <1 <1 0 <1 3 1

Check new medications

to learn about any

potential affect on

driving

65 56 15 17 7 9 6 12 6 6

Look for safety features

when buying a car 73 63 18 18 4 3 1 7 5 9

Try to park in a safe

well lit areas 80 80 16 16 1 1 <1 1 2 2

Limit the use of cell

phones while driving 81 84 13 10 1 1 2 2 4 3

Limit driving on

highways and freeways 10 12 26 29 23 25 38 32 3 2

Limit driving in bad

weather 16 24 53 54 19 14 9 7 3 2

Limit driving at night 14 21 39 44 21 17 24 17 3 1

Limit long distance

driving 14 18 34 40 21 19 29 22 3 2


Experiences with the Course

13. How did you learn about the AARP Driver Safety Program course?

n=1128


32 AARP Publication

22 AARP Website

9 AARP Postcard Reminder Notice

10 Local newspaper, radio, or television

1 Major media (USA Today, television programming, talk show)

1 Event or conference

22 Word of mouth

6 AARP Driver Safety Program volunteer

34 Insurance company

13 Other (Please specify: ______________________________)


14. Please write in the name of your auto insurance company. _____________________________

15. Did you receive an auto insurance discount as a result of taking the AARP Driver Safety Program course?

n=1128

%

86 Yes (GO TO Question 16)

11 No (GO TO Question 18)


16. Approximately how much will you save on your auto insurance?

n=974

%

46 $1 to $49

32 $50 to $99

10 $100 to $149

3 $150 to $199

4 $200 or more



17. How did you become aware that you could receive an auto insurance discount for taking the AARP Driver Safety Program Course?

N=974


55 My insurance company

2 The DMV

24 Word of mouth

13 From a family member or friend

36 AARP Publication

11 Other (Please specify)___________________________________


18. How likely will you be to take the AARP Driver Safety Program course again?

n=1128

%

56 Extremely likely (GO TO Question 19)

27 Very likely (GO TO Question 19)

10 Somewhat likely (GO TO Question 19)

5 Not very likely (GO TO Question 19)

1 Not at all likely (GO TO Question 20)


19. Would you prefer to take the AARP Driver Safety Program course again in a classroom setting or using an online version?

N=1113

%

40 Classroom

58 Online



20. How likely are you to recommend this course to friends or relatives?

n=1128

%

56 Extremely likely

34 Very likely

8 Somewhat likely

2 Not very likely

1 Not at all likely


21. Are you, or your spouse, a member of AARP?

n=1128

%

87 Yes (Go to Question 22)

12 No (Skip to Question 23)


22. As a result of taking the AARP Driver Safety Program course, are you more likely, as likely,

or less likely to renew your AARP membership?

n=982

%

43 More likely (GO TO Question 24 )

56 As likely (GO TO Question 24 )

1 Less likely (GO TO Question 24 )


23. As a result of taking the AARP Driver Safety Program course, are you more likely, as likely, or less likely to join AARP?

n=134

% n=134

17 More likely

60 As likely

21 Less likely



24. As a result of taking the AARP Driver Safety Program course, are you more likely, as likely, or less likely to consider other services that AARP offers members?

n=1128

%

25 More likely

66 As likely

7 Less likely


25. To what extent did the AARP Driver Safety Course meet your expectations?

n=1128

%

71 To a great extent

25 To some extent

3 To a small extent

1 The course did not meet my expectations at all


26. Given the time you devoted to attend the course, do you feel the AARP Driver

Safety Course was worth taking?

n=1128

%

48 Extremely worthwhile

40 Very worthwhile

10 Somewhat worthwhile

1 Not very worthwhile

1 Not at all worthwhile


27. What did you like the most about the AARP Driver Safety Program Course?

___________________________________________________________________________

28. What did you like the least about the AARP Driver Safety Program Course?

___________________________________________________________________________


Driver Safety Tools

AARP is considering various tools to enhance their Driver Safety Program. Please read

each paragraph below and indicate your interest in each of the following where “1” is

not at all interested and “10” is very interested.

29. BRAIN “TRAINING”

You can reduce crash risk by improving your brain fitness. This activity uses fun,

interactive training that uses computer‐based games that help you think faster, focus

better and react quicker on the road. New research has shown that “brain training” in

adults can actually improve the cognitive skills that help you remain a safe driver longer.

n=1128

%

How interested are you in this? (“1” = not at all interested….”10”

very interested) Please circle only ONE number.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

14 1 – Not at all interested

2 2

4 3

2 4

11 5

6 6

9 7

14 8

8 9

27 10 – Very interested


30. FREE SAFETY DRIVING WEBINARS

Topics in these 10‐minute web‐based seminars may include:

Increasing your awareness of the effects of medication on driving

Guidance on how to recognize driver safety warning signs and start productive,

caring conversations with older adults about driving safety.

How to use your car’s technology to drive more safely

New technologies to consider when purchasing a new vehicle.

Refresher on your state’s “Rules of the Road”


30. (continued) How interested are you in this?

n=2,347

% n=1128

% (“1” = not at all interested….”10” very interested)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10


4 2

7 3

4 4

14 5

7 6

9 7

12 8

7 9



31. VISUAL PROCESSING ENHANCEMENT

As we age our ability to react quickly slows down. Assess your response time using online

driving simulation scenarios and follow the fun interactive suggestions to improve your

score. Simulation activities include scanning around vehicles for merging and passing,

demonstrating situational awareness, interpreting signage and reacting to pedestrians and

other diversions. How interested are you in this?

n=2,347

%

n=1128

% (“1” = not at all interested….”10” very interested)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10


2 2

4 3

4 4

12 5

6 6

9 7

13 8

11 9



Thank you very much completing this survey!!

2010 driver safety program evaluation · we produce aarp the magazine, the definitive voice for 50+...

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