Effect of intelligent speed adaptation technology on older drivers’ driving performance

Abstract

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.

Investigation of older driver's takeover performance in highly automated vehicles in adverse weather conditions

“…This could possibly be explained by the previous finding that older people's already slower reaction time involved a "protective" mechanism which prevented that from slowing down even further in the more difficult tasks; the price of maintaining reaction time is reduced accuracy [37]. In general, this finding corresponds with those of previous studies which suggest that older drivers interact with technologies differently compared to younger drivers, and their needs should be carefully considered in the design of new technologies [21,38].…”

Investigating on-road lane maintenance and speed regulation in post-stroke driving: a pilot case-control study

“…Similarly, Weihong, Blythe, Edwards, Pavkova, and Brennan (2015) found that 80% of 60+ drivers did not control their speed appropriately in free-flow traffic conditions and older drivers have been found to commit more driving errors when compared to younger drivers, however their speed adjustment and lane position was improved in automatic transmission cars (Selander, Falkmer, & Bolin, 2012). Furthermore, older drivers usually experience high crash risk comparing to other cohorts in urban environments, due to their inappropriate speed control performance (Weihong et al, 2015). Hence, the mean speed and standard deviation of speed can indicate the drivers' speed control performance (Reed & Green, 1999).…”

“…It is known that older and novice drivers are more likely to respond inappropriately to road geometries and traffic signs, which require them to control driving speed (Chan, Pradhan, Pollatsek, Knodler, & Fisher, 2010). Similarly, Weihong, Blythe, Edwards, Pavkova, and Brennan (2015) found that 80% of 60+ drivers did not control their speed appropriately in free-flow traffic conditions and older drivers have been found to commit more driving errors when compared to younger drivers, however their speed adjustment and lane position was improved in automatic transmission cars (Selander, Falkmer, & Bolin, 2012). Furthermore, older drivers usually experience high crash risk comparing to other cohorts in urban environments, due to their inappropriate speed control performance (Weihong et al, 2015).…”

Effectiveness of Information Sharing to Improve Elderly Drivers’ Acceptability for Proactive Intervention Systems

“…To reduce traffic accidents caused by elderly drivers, which is currently a major problem in Japan (1) , more advanced safety technologies that can assist such drivers are required (2)(3)(4) (5) . Because both physical and cognitive abilities of elderly drivers decline due to their aging, advanced driving assistance systems in the intelligent vehicle with a certain level of autonomy seems desirable.…”