Since drivers cannot see an entire traffic scene clearly with one glance, they must extrapolate the motion of surrounding vehicles while scanning other parts of the scene. Previous studies have shown that abilities relevant to motion extrapolation decline with age. This study seeks to determine if distortions occur in motion extrapolation of car-following scenes in younger and older drivers. Fifteen drivers aged 18 to 41 years and 12 drivers aged 50 to 72 years viewed displays of simulated car-following scenes. After an interruption, the scene reappeared at the correct position in its trajectory or at a position that was more advanced or less advanced than the correct position. Drivers reported whether the scene reappeared at the correct position. Results showed that when the virtual self moved faster than the lead car, older drivers' judgments was biased toward less advanced reappearance positions. Younger drivers' judgments were biased toward more advanced positions. The implication is that older drivers extrapolated the motion slower than did younger drivers. These findings confirm the expectation that distortions did occur in motion extrapolation of car-following scenes, and age differences appeared in these distortions. Limitations of this study and directions for future research are discussed.
Abstract