This chapter reviews literature related to the cognitive-motor impairments observed in older adults and considers these impairments in the context of driving a motor vehicle. Movement initiation and slowing movement initiation are considered including response preparation, response selection and complexity, response programming, the speed/accuracy trade-off, neuropsychological hypotheses and the reduction of age differences in movement initiation. Movement execution and impaired movement execution are discussed including movement time, movement trajectory, force, coordination, proprioception, muscle mass amd joint flexibility. Recommendations are made for vehicle and road designs which will benefit older drivers and contribute to improved safety.
Abstract