UWE: Technology to help older drivers stay on the road for longer

Research lead

Researchers at the University of the West of England, UK, have identified ways in which information technologies could extend the age at which people can drive safely.  They say the in-car information systems could help compensate for the reduction in reaction time that affects many drivers as they get older.  

This could give older people the confidence to continue driving for as long as their capabilities allow. And because the systems would not take control of the car away from the driver, they would also enable users to retain their sense of independence.

The work was undertaken as part of the SPARC (Strategic Promotion of Ageing Research Capacity) project funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).

Specific ideas include:

• A system that unobtrusively displays road sign information through a head-up display on the windscreen. This is a see-through display that shows information without impeding the user’s view. Harnessing Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, it would track a car’s position and identify approaching signs. Exactly the same information contained in the signs would then appear on the windscreen at the appropriate time. The driver would therefore not have to keep scouring the road side for information.

• A system providing the driver with audible feedback on current speed, again harnessing GPS technology. For example, one short, non-distracting bleep could indicate the car is approaching the local speed limit; a longer bleep could indicate the speed limit has been reached. The driver would therefore not have to look at the dashboard so often.

The aim of the systems is to minimise the amount of time drivers divert their attention from the road ahead, cutting the chance of an accident.

These ideas emerged as a direct result of a survey of older people’s driving-related needs and attitudes undertaken as part of the study. Those surveyed expressed strong reservations about in-car technologies which aim to take an element of control away from the driver, such as systems automatically limiting car speeds or regulating the distance between a car and the vehicle in front.

A strong preference was expressed for technologies which simply improve information provision and aid decision-making.

“Our research highlights issues that have been overlooked by car designers and those advising older people on lifestyles,” said Charles Musselwhite, who led the study. “The current emphasis on developing technologies which take over part of the driving task may actually end up deterring older drivers. By contrast, better in-car information systems could help them drive safely and ensure they want to keep driving.”

Musselwhite and his team will now work with technical experts to produce a prototype speed information system and in-car road sign information display system.