Development of safe-driving-system features for elderly drivers

Abstract

As the overall population ages, elderly drivers will become a larger percentage of the driving population. However, driving-related accidents and injuries associated with elderly drivers are also on the rise. To determine the causes of this trend, we researched existing vehicle systems that use different sensors and signals to promote safe driving. We found that although the systems alert drivers to potential collisions and assist them in finding a location easily, they were not practical enough to protect elderly drivers. For the most part, they were not created by people with driving difficulties caused by health problems, which in turn often afflict the elderly. To address this issue, we analysed the drawbacks of the current systems and used a focus group of people with body conditions that have declined due to age to discover the problems they encounter while driving. With the focus group, we used diverse research activities, such as surveys, observations, and interviews, to demonstrate how new system features (concepts) could be developed for the elderly. Finally, we proposed that adequate system features for the elderly would improve driving safety and provide a more enjoyable driving environment for this population.