This paper presents a concept for an in-vehicle information/management/control/communication system designed to assist elderly and disabled drivers and passengers. It also proposes the undertaking of a major, accelerated R&D effort in micro-electronic technologies within the framework of current European, Japanese and North American IVHS/RTI (Road Transport Informatics) programs. As early priorities for these programs, four elderly/disabled project areas are identified: human factors/ergonomics assessment, advanced traveller information system, advanced vehicle control system, and investigation of traveller decision making. It is essential that elderly and disabled needs are identified early in the development of IVHS/RTI systems - and not just as an after thought, which would surely result in cumbersome, user-unfriendly and unsafe retrofits.
Samenvatting