Behavioral Differences Between Older and Younger Drivers Associated With Automated Vehicles
Year: 2017
Type: conference-abstract
Abstract: Motor vehicle crashes represent a significant public health problem, with elevated rates for both older and young drivers. Advances in automated vehicle technology hold promise for increasing vehicle safety. However, at least in the early stages, vehicle automation may lead to new or yet unstudied risks or errors, especially for vulnerable groups such as older drivers. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in how older and younger drivers react to the transfer of control between automated and manual driving. A total of 72 participants are being recruited from three age groups (16–19, 65–75, and 25–45). Participants are presented with a simulated driving environment containing manual driving modes with multiple transition scenarios. They also complete a questionnaire on their experience/comfort with various technologies, as well as a structured interview to explore perceptions about the drive (e.g., expectations, acceptance, and trust in the automation). To date, 26 participants have been enrolled: 52% are age 65–75 and 48% age 25–45. All are active drivers (65% drive every day and 87% at least 5 days per week). Most report using various technologies for communication (email, 100%; smart phones, 96%; social networks, 91%; online chatting/instant messaging). In addition, most are very satisfied with these technologies (87%), report that they save time and give more flexibility (96%), and were easy to learn how to use (91%). Fuller detail on results from the questionnaires, simulated drives, and structured interviews are reported in this presentation as well as differences identified between older and younger drivers.
Source: Innovation in Aging
Institution: University of Michigan
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,977
OpenAlex ID: W2727353653