Analysis of older driver safety interventions : a human factors taxonomic approach. Paper presented at the Intelligent Transportation Systems ITS America conference, March 1995, Washington, D.C.

The careful application of human factors design principles and guidelines is integral to the development of safe, efficient and usable Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). One segment of the driving population that may significantly benefit from ITS is older drivers. The population of older drivers is steadily increasing and concerns pertaining to their needs, capabilities and limitations will likely intensity. Though older drivers are under-represented in crashes and fatalities relative to their numbers in the US population, their per mile crash involvement and fatality rates are higher than other driver segments. To address issues related to older drivers, a tool has been developed to categorize a spectrum of countermeasures: a taxonomy of safety interventions. This taxonomy provides a framework for examining the problems and research directions associated with nine primary areas of focus: (1) driver licensing, (2) driver training/counseling; (3) crashworthiness/occupant protection; (4) post-crash medical care; (5) behavioral medicine; (6) fitness-for-duty (FFD); (7) environmental issues; (8) cooperative systems; and (9) vehicle design/crash avoidance. The taxonomy is structured such that consideration can be given to each primary area independently and in relation to other primary areas. Consideration of each area independently, and how they interact with other areas, may lead to more comprehensive countermeasures. The applicability of ITS crash avoidance technology for older drivers can be addressed in this context. Given the reduction of sensory, perceptual, cognitive, and motor capabilities that are associated with aging, designing in-vehicle ITS for older drivers is apt to be challenging. ITS technology has the potential to be a "double-edged sword" for the older driver; systems that are designed to assist in safe driving may also add mental and physical workload and confusion to the driving task. Consideration of older driver issues, and the utilization of a user-centered design approach, may aid in the realization of ITS goals and objectives, making them safe, efficient and usable for both younger and older drivers.