A general model of driver behaviour is presented that emphasises the interactions between the operational and the tactical level of the car driving task. The problem of the elderly driver is analysed in terms of individual differences in perceptual-motor abilities resulting in effects on operational performance. The effects of alcohol and drugs (marijuana) are briefly analysed in terms of state-related factors that result in transient degradation of operational performance. The operational and the tactical levels of behaviour are connected with the concept of safety margins. Two experiments serve to illustrate the application of the model of driver adaptation to the domain of individual differences in driving behaviour. The first example concerns the lateral control task of curve negotiation and steering. The second experiment concerns the longitudinal control task of car following and braking. (A)
Abstract