Use, perceptions, and benefits of automotive technologies among aging drivers

Abstract

Advanced in-vehicle technologies have been proposed as a potential way to keep older adults driving for as long as they can safely do so, by taking into account the common declines in functional abilities experienced by older adults. The purpose of this report was to synthesize the knowledge about older drivers and advanced in-vehicle technologies, focusing on three areas: use (how older drivers use these technologies), perception (what they think about the technologies), and outcomes (the safety and/or comfort benefits of the technologies). Twelve technologies were selected for review and grouped into three categories: crash avoidance systems (lane departure warning, curve speed warning, forward collision warning, blind spot warning, parking assistance); in-vehicle information systems (navigation assistance, intelligent speed adaptation); and other systems (adaptive cruise control, automatic crash notification, night vision enhancement, adaptive headlight, voice activated control). A comprehensive and systematic search was conducted for each technology to collect related publications. 271 articles were included into the final review. Research findings for each of the 12 technologies are synthesized in relation to how older adults use and think about the technologies as well as potential benefits. These results are presented separately for each technology. Can advanced in-vehicle technologies help extend the period over which an older adult can drive safely? This report answers this question with an optimistic “yes.” Some of the technologies reviewed in this report have been shown to help older drivers avoid crashes, improve the ease and comfort of driving, and travel to places and at times that they might normally avoid.

Policy and society related implications of automated driving: A review of literature and directions for future research

“…Finally, the increase of vehicle-sharing services and the subsequent possible decrease of the requirements for construction of off-street parking spaces could increase housing affordability. Eby et al (2016) reported, in their review paper, a positive effect (i.e. avoiding crashes, enhancing easiness and comfort of driving, increasing place, and temporal accessibility) of many in-vehicle technologies (e.g.…”

Dimensions of attitudes to autonomous vehicles

“…Rather than converting directly to fully autonomous vehicles, consumers are being incrementally exposed to autonomous driving technologies within their existing cars in the form of various features including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping systems, automatic braking while skidding, parking assistance, and blind spot and collision warning systems (Eby et al, 2016;Payre et al, 2014;Richards & Stedmon, 2016). Drivers exhibit varying levels of awareness and use of these in-car technologies (Abraham et al, 2017), suggesting that it is important to also educate consumers about the benefits of these autonomous functions to increase their acceptance and use and provide opportunities for trial (Höltl & Trommer, 2013;Koo et al, 2015;Lee, Mehler, Reimer, & Coughlin, 2015;McDonald et al, 2016).…”

Autonomous driving: a bird's eye view

“…In fact, advanced in-vehicle technologies have already extended the period over which the elderly can drive safely and comfortably. Their full integration in AVs will lead to further improvement for all these sectors of society [104].…”