Seasonal and Weather Effects on Older Adults’ Driving Trip Distances

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if season or weather affected the objectively measured trip distances of older drivers (≥ 70 years n=279) at seven Canadian sites. During winter, for all trips taken, trip distance was 7% shorter when controlling for site and whether the trip occurred during the day. In addition, for trips taken within city limits, trip distance was 1% shorter during winter and 5% longer during rain when compared to no precipitation when controlling for weather (or season respectively), time of day, and site. At night, trip distance was about 30% longer when controlling for season and site (and weather), contrary to expectations. Together these results suggest that older Canadian drivers alter their trip distances based on season, weather conditions and time of day, although not always in the expected direction.