The paper presents first results of research performed at the research department of DaimlerChrysler on how elderly drivers can be supported in driving safely. Based on the definition of four key capabilities of a safe driver, the deficiencies of elderly drivers were analysed. From this analysis a safety concept was derived: by early information and warning, the driver shall be prepared for the next traffic situation as long as his workload is still low. Because the man machine interface is a crucial part of the total system, a set of MMI requirements was defined as a guideline for the future development. From a technical point of view, a digital map is used for the prediction of the road environment ahead of the vehicle. Because the content of today's maps is not sufficient for the intended application, additional content was defined. The representation of intersections is given as an example.
Abstract