Intelligent transportation systems and the older driver: an auto industry perspective. A commentary on: will intelligent transportation systems improve older driver mobility?

This paper describes how recent research findings suggest that Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) technologies have the potential to safely extend older driver mobility by compensating for the declining capabilities of these drivers. Successful application of such research finding for the benefit of older drivers will depend on their translation into product design. This paper highlights some of the current activities and challenges of this process. The discussion is organized into three parts: (1) the general issues of aging in relation to technology; (2) research related to ITS and the older driver; and (3) trends impacting automotive design and some of the challenges of the implementation of ITS technology for the older driver.