A system’s approach to understanding emerging driver habits, perceptions and practices exhibited by ageing South African drivers

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to identify the effects of age, sex and race on driving habits, practices, and perceptions within a South African context. Secondly, the study also aimed to identify the roles that age, sex and race played within the human-car road systems, by employing systems ergonomics theory. Methods: 205 Participants volunteered to take part in this study. Males and females aged 55 years and older were sourced within the Gauteng province. Participants completed two questionnaires, the DHQ, DPPQ and a demographic sheet. Results: Analysis of the DHQ revealed that age, sex and race played a significant role in informing driving habits among South African drivers aged 55 years and above. With the sample population driving on average 6 days a week (5.58 ± 1.52), significant interaction effects concerning age reveal that more attention should be directed towards different age cohorts, as habits are likely to change with increasing age. Coupling the effects of age, sex and race to make inferences on driving habits proved to be complex, suggesting that habits require a nuanced exploration of the interaction between demographic information. With the DPPQ giving insight into perceptions, behaviour, and attitudes, it was determined that there were significant differences between driving practices and perceptions concerning age, sex and race. Different age groups perceive their driving practices and adherence to safety and legislative regulations. Similarly, disparities between the sexes were noted as there were significant differences between how male and female participants viewed their practices and practices when it came to driving. From a system’s point of view, it can be said that the factors mentioned above could inform and even further be instrumental in determining road safety and legislative cultures. These findings suggest that there is a need for ongoing research into driving practices on South African roads. Conclusion: With respect to driving, differences in demographical variables elicit differences in habits, perceptions and practices of ageing South African Drivers. A nuanced research approach is required to truly understand the diversity of the ageing/older South African driver population.