Older drivers have a relatively high fatality rate in traffic. This is mainly due to the physical vulnerability of people aged 75 and above. In addition, impairments can result in negative road safety consequences for older drivers. This article addresses measures that may reduce the number of difficulties older drivers encounter in traffic as a result of impairments. The focus is on two assistive devices which may simplify the driving task: in-car driver assistance systems and adjustments to road design. In a driving simulator, it was examined what the effects of these devices are on workload and driving behaviour. Ten older (range 70-88 years) and thirty younger drivers (range 30-50 years) drove a route which led them across different types of intersections while driving with or without the support of a simulated driver assistance system. Intersection design appeared to influence mental workload for older as well as younger drivers. The in-car driver support system improved the safety of driver decisions. It is concluded that both adjustments to road design and in-car driver assistance systems simplify the driving task and prolong the safe mobility of older people. (Author/publisher)
Abstract