Eurostar; Assessing the ability of elderly to drive a motor vehicle, DRIVESS, 6858, VTI
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Statens väg- och transportforskningsinstitut |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 562 880 |
| Project duration | April 2012 - January 2014 |
| Status | Completed |
Important results from the project
The aim of the project was to develop an objective screening method for assessing driving ability in elderly drivers. The aim was fulfilled. As planned, a simulator study comprising critical traffic situations was designed and performed. The results were analyzed according to differences between the elderly and the younger drivers´ driving performance. In addition to the simulator drive, a set of tests with bearing on driving performance was completed. The two main tests were a ´visual attention performance test´ and a ´saccadic eye test´. As a result, a test method was developed.
Expected long term effects
As a result of the project, a new test scheme for assessing the driving ability in elderly drivers has been developed. In addition, features that are considered important in driving has been compared and evaluated, i.e, visual attention performance, saccadic eye movements as well as cognitive screening tests. The results are expected to be used in future assessment of driving ability in the elderly in practice as well as a foundation for future development and increased quality of assessment of driving ability in the elderly as well as in other groups of cognitively degraded individuals.
Approach and implementation
To assess elderly drivers´ driving ability, a simulator study was performed. Moreover, a set of tests with bearing on abilities with relation to driving ability was performed. The study was performed as planned. Twelve elderly drivers and a control group comprising 12 younger drivers participated. The scenarios that were developed were able to discriminate between different levels of driving ability.