A Simulation-based Assessment Approach to Increase Safety among Senior Drivers

Statistics show that in the United States, there are about 38 million licensed drivers over age 65; about 1/8 of the population. By 2024, this figure will double to 25%. The current research is intended to address the driving capabilities of our older population, as accident and injury risk has been statistically shown to increase – normalized per mile driven – with advanced age. The primary objective is to perform a preliminary Pilot Study (N=10) that allows the team to analyze the impact of supplementing traditional driver evaluation for senior persons with cognitive impairment using state-of-the-art driving simulation technologies. Within a simulator, a variety of driving scenarios can be implemented that sufficiently challenge drivers in a way that, due to safety and logistical concerns, cannot be accomplished within the confines of a real vehicle. Longer-term, a driving simulator can be used to define driving tasks that are most likely to be affected by stages of dementia, and to measure, capture, and analyze vital driver performance metrics. Each driver is evaluated at Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) using a conventional driver evaluation mechanism: in-clinic (to measure cognitive, motor and visual skills) and in-vehicle (to measure mechanical ability to operate a vehicle). Prior to these examinations, each driver is evaluated in a motion-based driving simulator located at the University at Buffalo (UB). A subsequent data analysis is performed in an effort to identify any trends or patterns between the three evaluation mechanisms.

• Record URL:
  http://www.utrc2.org/sites/default/files/pubs/safety-among-senior-driver-final.pdf
• 
• Supplemental Notes:
  • This document was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation, University Transportation Centers Program.
• Corporate Authors:

  University at Buffalo

  New York State Center for Engineering Design and Industrial Innovation
  5 Norton Hall
  Buffalo, NY  United States  14260

  University Transportation Research Center

  City College of New York
  Marshak Hall, Suite 910, 160 Convent Avenue
  New York, NY  United States  10031

  Research and Innovative Technology Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Hulme, Kevin F
  • Thorpe, Lisa
• Publication Date: 2013-4-4

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 14p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aged drivers; Driver performance; Driving simulators; Vehicle operations
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01478698
• Record Type: Publication
• Contract Numbers: 49111-12-23
• Files: UTC, TRIS, RITA, ATRI, USDOT
• Created Date: Apr 18 2013 8:50AM