목적 : 본 연구는 고령운전자의 운전면허 반납에 영향을 미치는 사회문화적 요인을 파악하고, 자발적 반납을 촉진하기 위 한 정책적 시사점을 제시하는 데 목적이 있다. 연구방법 : 2024년 11월부터 12월까지 한국도로교통공단 대전운전면허시험장에서 교통안전교육을 이수한 65세 이상 고령 운전자 200명을 대상으로 설문조사를 실시하였다. 설문은 일반적 특성, 사회적 요인, 경제적 요인, 문화적 요인 등 4개 범주 총 13개 변수를 포함하였고, 이분형 로지스틱 회귀분석을 통해 운전면허 반납 의사에 미치는 영향을 분석하였다. 결과 : 분석 결과, 여성 고령운전자는 남성에 비해 운전면허를 자발적으로 반납할 가능성이 약 3.83배 높았으며(OR=0.257, p<.05), 직업활동이 없는 경우 반납 확률이 약 3.73배 높았다(OR=0.268, p<.01). 또한, 대체 교통수단이 충분하다고 인 식한 경우 반납 의사는 1.72배 증가하였고(OR=1.719, p<.01), 운전면허 반납 혜택을 긍정적으로 인식한 경우 반납 의사 는 1.66배 증가하였다(OR=1.655, p<.01). 결론 : 고령운전자의 운전면허 반납 의사는 성별, 경제활동 여부, 대체 교통수단 인식, 반납 혜택 인식 등 다양한 사회문 화적 요인의 영향을 받는 것으로 확인되었다. 이에 따라, 고령자의 특성과 지역적 교통 여건을 고려한 맞춤형 정책 수립 이 요구되며, 실질적 혜택 제공과 함께 지역사회 기반의 교통 인프라 확충이 필요하다.

This study aimed to analyze the impact of implementing a voluntary driver's license return program on reducing traffic crashes for older drivers who were previously involved in traffic accidents. The traffic crashes caused by elderly drivers were categorized by crash type. We used the Chi-square test to compare municipalities that implemented the program in 2019 and 2020 with those that did not and explored variations in crash types based on the residential areas and age groups of elderly drivers. The voluntary driver's license return program reduced considerably the number of single-vehicle crashes involving elderly drivers. Moreover, while all crash types decreased in rural areas, only pedestrian–vehicle, and single-vehicle crashes were reduced considerably in urban areas. In terms of age groups, drivers aged >75 years were associated with reduced numbers of crashes (all types). Similarly, the 70–74 age group demonstrated considerable reductions in pedestrian–vehicle and single–vehicle crashes, emphasizing the importance of encouraging and supporting license returns among these age groups. First, because the characteristics of each crash type vary, it is important to analyze the impact of voluntary driver’s license returns on crash reduction, with a focus on specific crash types. Second, voluntary license returns should be promoted in all regions. However, in rural areas with limited access to public transportation, mobility must be supported by the introduction of DRT. Third, given that drivers aged >75 years were associated with reduced numbers of crashes (for all types of crashes), priority policies should be implemented to encourage license returns within this age group, along with tailored incentives. However, as the voluntary license return program is intended to support selfinitiated cessation of driving without compulsion, strategies should also be explored to promote voluntary returns without age restrictions. Fourth, a standardized evaluation system should be established to enable older drivers to assess their driving abilities and physical conditions, further encouraging voluntary license returns.