Citation

Reimer B. Eye Auto 2009; 2009: 36.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Changing demographics coupled with an increasing presence of in-vehicle infotainment systems, vehicle telemetry, and vehicle automation are poised to present a number of unique challenges to automotive safety: It is well documented that older drivers suffer from a host of limitations from reduced functionality to increased medical impairment. Self-regulation is a key behavior observed among this cohort, making them largely safe drivers. Changing expectations regarding independence and relative health in the aging boomer segment of the population may impact this pattern. Driver distractions have been around since the dawn of the automobile. Technologies such as cellular phones and navigation systems, however, present drivers with increasing levels of both overt and covert demands. As information connectivity continues to increase, further impacts on safety are likely. Assistive systems such as power steering and automatic transmissions have made the activity of driving an automobile physically easier. New features such as collisions mitigation, assistive cruise control and lane keeping assistance will continue to draw functionality away from the driver through increased automation. If successfully implemented, these features will fundamentally alter the attentional demands of driving an automobile. Advanced driver workload management will be an important feature in managing these changing demands.


Keywords: Driver distraction;