Citation

Rogé J, Ndiaye D, Vienne F. Transp. Res. F Traffic Psychol. Behav. 2014; 26: 246-257.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.trf.2014.08.005

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Our study examined the ability of two groups of elderly car drivers to detect vulnerable road users (pedestrians and two-wheeled motorized vehicles) in a simulated car-driving task. One group was given specific training, aimed at increasing their useful visual field, while driving. The second group's task was to follow another vehicle. Data analysis indicated that the training given led to a significant increase in drivers' useful visual field. In addition, comparison of performances of the two groups permitted us to conclude that training had a beneficial effect on driving, as elderly drivers who received training were better able to detect pedestrians in the road environment. This research could potentially be applied in cognitive intervention programs for older adults in order to preserve their ability to drive and improve the safety of vulnerable road users.