Supporting Older Drivers’ Visual Processing of Intersections - Effects of Providing Prior Information

Beggiato, Matthias; Hartwich, Franziska; Petzoldt, Tibor; Krems, Josef · 2019 · Crossref

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-20503-4_10

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Summary

This document is a comprehensive report titled "Safety and Mobility of Older Road Users," published in 2009 by the Allianz Center for Technology and the European Transport Safety Council. It addresses the critical intersection of demographic aging and road safety, motivated by the rapid increase in the elderly population in Europe and the disproportionate risk older adults face in traffic accidents. The study aims to correct public misconceptions that view older drivers primarily as a safety hazard, instead analyzing their mobility patterns, accident involvement, and potential solutions. The authors conducted a multi-faceted analysis using statistical data from Germany and the European Union, including accident records from the Federal Statistical Office and insurance claim data from Allianz. The study examines mobility patterns, such as vehicle ownership and driving performance, alongside detailed accident statistics categorized by age, gender, and mode of transport (driver, passenger, pedestrian, cyclist). It also evaluates the effectiveness of driver assistance systems and voluntary safety measures. Key findings reveal that seniors (65+) are disproportionately victims of road traffic accidents rather than primary causes. While they account for only about 10% of accident participants and main causes, they represent roughly 20% of the population and a significantly higher share of fatalities. Older adults are most vulnerable as pedestrians and cyclists, with nearly half of all pedestrian fatalities in Germany involving seniors. As drivers, older adults exhibit lower accident rates per mile driven compared to young drivers, largely due to compensatory behaviors such as avoiding night driving and complex situations. However, they are more prone to specific errors like right-of-way violations. The report notes that older drivers would significantly benefit from driver assistance systems, particularly active braking and intersection assistants. The significance of this work lies in its challenge to the narrative of older drivers as a primary safety risk. It concludes that mandatory age-based license restrictions are unjustified. Instead, the report advocates for "design-for-all" approaches, improved infrastructure, and the integration of vehicle assistance technologies. It emphasizes that while older drivers have higher vulnerability and specific cognitive challenges, their overall safety record is favorable when adjusted for driving exposure. The study calls for targeted, voluntary support measures and technological aids to enhance the safety and mobility of an aging society, rather than punitive regulatory measures.

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Topics

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• older drivers
• age related perceptual decline
• older driver retraining
• pedal misapplication

Information type

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• Empirical Findings: observational prevalence, crash risk outcomes