Driving into the Sunset: Supporting Cognitive Functioning in Older Drivers

Abstract

The rise in the aging driver population presents society with a significant challenge—how to maintain safety and mobility on the roads. On the one hand, older drivers pose a higher risk of an at-fault accident on a mile-for-mile basis; on the other hand, independent mobility is a significant marker of quality of life in aging. In this paper, we review the respective literatures on cognitive neuropsychology and ergonomics to suggest a previously unexplored synergy between these two fields. We argue that this conceptual overlap can form the basis for future solutions to what has been called “the older driver problem.” Such solutions could be found in a range of emerging driver assistance technologies offered by vehicle manufacturers, which have the potential to compensate for the specific cognitive decrements associated with aging that are related to driving.

Benefits of Higher Cardiovascular and Motor Coordinative Fitness on Driving Behavior Are Mediated by Cognitive Functioning: A Path Analysis

“…Age-related cognitive decline affects several cognitive functions that are associated with driving behavior such as attention, visuospatial skill, memory, or cognitive processing speed (Verhaeghen et al, 2003 ; Apolinario et al, 2009 ; Gajewski and Falkenstein, 2011 ; Wasylyshyn et al, 2011 ; Young and Bunce, 2011 ; Harada et al, 2013 ; Murman, 2015 ; Fraade-Blanar et al, 2018 ; Salthouse, 2019 ). For example, both visuospatial skill and attention are required to continuously monitor the environment while being able to very quickly identifying potential hazards on the road (Andrews and Westerman, 2012 ; Michaels et al, 2017 ; Eudave et al, 2018 ; Ledger et al, 2019 ).…”

“…For example, both visuospatial skill and attention are required to continuously monitor the environment while being able to very quickly identifying potential hazards on the road (Andrews and Westerman, 2012 ; Michaels et al, 2017 ; Eudave et al, 2018 ; Ledger et al, 2019 ). Many studies have demonstrated such positive associations between different cognitive functions and driving behavior in a variety of scenarios (e.g., car following, braking, overtaking), and for different performance parameters (e.g., lane keeping, speed control, braking reactions; Young and Bunce, 2011 ; Anstey et al, 2012 ; Depestele et al, 2020 ). Interestingly, the involvement of cognitive functions during driving seems to be more pronounced in older than in younger adults (Anstey et al, 2005 ; Lees et al, 2010 ; Fraade-Blanar et al, 2018 ), even though older adults are usually more experienced drivers and might preserve a relatively high level of automatization in driving (McKenna and Farrand, 1999 ; Lees et al, 2010 ; Charlton and Starkey, 2011 ; Anstey et al, 2012 ).…”

Through the Looking Glass

“…84,87 There is a need to support those who find it difficult to drive, particularly in older drivers who are more likely to die or be seriously injured when involved in a crash. 4,88 Australian drivers with glaucoma are assessed for suitability to drive using nonspecific tests or based on the subjective opinion of medical practitioners. 88 Licensing authorities are increasingly concerned by the lack of useful screening tests to evaluate driving performance.…”

“…2 Driving is extremely important for the older population as it increases independence and quality of life 3 but the need to maintain driver safety as we age is paramount. 4 It is widely documented that older-aged drivers are at both an increased risk of a crash when driving exposure is accounted for [4][5][6][7] and are at greater risk of injury when involved in a crash. 8 Ocular conditions are particularly prevalent in an older population and glaucoma is one of the most common.…”

Research Issues in Smart Vehicles and Elderly Drivers: A Literature Review

“…et al, 2013) Advanced vehicle motion control delegation Fan et al, 2014;Meng & Sun, 2014;Vaitkus et al, 2014;Weyer et al, 2015; A c c e p t e d M a n u s c r i p t 88 al., 2012;Haberstroh et al, 2010;Hess et al, 2013;Jung & Qin, 2013;Kim & Son, 2011;Kim et al, 2011;Kim et al, 2012;Manseer & Riener, 2014;MarinLamellet & Haustein, 2014;Masala & Grosso, 2013;Meng & Sun, 2014;Moussa et al, 2012;Munro et al, 2010;Nakagawa & Park, 2014;Nakano et al, 2013;Rödel et al, 2014;Schall et al, 2012;Son et al, 2013;Taib et al, 2013;Vardaki & Karlaftis, 2011;Vhaduri et al, 2014;Vitabile et al, 2011;Williams et al, 2014;Young & Bunce, 2011) Infotainment Note. Springer Link and ACM Digital Library did not support the metadata search function, so we picked the articles related to HCI/HVI from the potentially related articles.…”