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Excess speeding on roads with a low-speed limit is a key error in drivers of all ages although the reasons for speeding can be significantly different. Drivers aged over 60 are generally more cautious, and take fewer risks than younger aged drivers. This study investigates whether Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA) technology can assist older drivers in maintaining vehicle speed. The technology can be employed in three ways: advisory (AISA), differential (DISA) and mandatory (MISA). Twentysix drivers aged over 60 years old participated along with a comparison group of 16 experienced younger drivers aged under 60. All drivers completed four driving tasks in a driving simulator with and without ISA. Results show improvements in speed and lane-keeping performance vary depending on the type of ISA and driver age and training in effective use of ISA is needed for drivers of all ages. The study is one component of a wider research programme exploring how ITS could potentially help older people overcome some of the difficulties they experience with driving as they age and hopefully help them remain safe drivers for longer, a benefit both to the individual and society.

Purpose In response to the rapidly ageing global population, the purpose of this paper is to identify the problems of elderly drivers and their relation to emerging in-vehicle technologies. Methods The method is three fold. Firstly, it reviews factors involved in the functional decline of elderly drivers. Secondly, it assesses the feedback and support capabilities of in-vehicle systems (IVSs) with the potential to assist elderly people to drive safely for longer and maintain their quality of life. Lastly, it describes a newly funded project, Social inclusion through Digital Economy (SiDE), which will demonstrate an innovative application of driving simulator technology to test and evaluate the impact of emerging invehicle systems on elderly drivers. This project intends to assess whether it makes them less vulnerable road users. Conclusion The paper concludes that IVSs providing feedback and support to elderly drivers have the potential to help them recognize their weakness and vulnerability as road users and improve their driving performance through the use of advice, alerts, warnings or active interventions.

Understanding drivers' perspective on parking guidance information.

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