Cognitive and Perceptual Factors in Aging and Driving Performance

University Transportation Centers Program2001PDFTech ReportRinalducci, Edward JMouloua, MustaphaSmither, JananUniversity of Central Florida. Department of Psychology. Visual Performance LaboratoryUniversity of Central Florida. Center for Advanced Transportation Systems SimulationFlorida. Department of TransportationUnited States. Department of Transportation. University Transportation Centers (UTC) ProgramUniversity of Central Florida. Center for Advanced Transportation Systems SimulationUnited StatesAged driversCognitionDriving simulatorsHuman subject testingPerceptionVPL-03-01There is overwhelming evidence suggesting that older drivers may have more difficulty in attending to the driving task and be slower at processing information, especially when required to make complex decisions. For example, the older driver may be at a disadvantage both perceptually and cognitively in dealing with complex traffic situations. Traffic crashes caused by elderly drivers have been attributed by investigators to neglect or an inattention to relevant information from road signs, as well as other cars on the road and to pedestrians crossing or at the side of the road. These incidents have resulted in a significant number of fatalities and financial losses. However, if may be that the rise in incident rates among the elderly is not due only to age-related declines, but also to the additional functional losses resulting from age-related brain diseases. Therefore, the neurological status of the driver needs to be examined.140