In this article, the particular problems that older people experience as drivers are examined. Health problems, such as deteriorating vision, slower reaction times, and problems in concentrating on the driving task on longer journeys, are highlighted. The role of roadtransport informatics (RTI) as a means of enhancing driver capabilities and improving road safety is discussed, specifically, a projectundertaken at King's College, London University, headed by Warnes, AM under the EC DRIVE initiative that evaluated attitudes towards a number of existing, prototype and possible RTI and their implicationsfor older drivers aged 52-79. These included: route guidance systems; distance warning / anti-collision devices; radio data systems; awareness monitors (for driver fatigue); and breakdown detection systems.
Abstract