ITS and human factors for the older driver: The U.S. experience

Significant technological breakthroughs have advanced the state of applications regarding Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). Frequently these breakthroughs involve human interaction - a potential problem if the role of humans is not properly fitted into the working environment of the machines. At the same time, the increased number of elderly drivers and aging-related deficiencies which could affect driver safety are particularly important in developing ITS and components while addressing human factors issues. Future vehicles and roadways planned with only the young driver in mind fail to consider a large percentage of the future driving population. This article reviews and documents past and current practices in the United States with respect to addressing problems of older drivers within the ITS framework. It shows that even though a significant research effort is focused towards the development of human factors design guidelines, very little is focused primarily on the older driver. A large number of issues dealing with ITS components still needs to be addressed and several researchers identify the need for additional work in determining the impact of age on the various ITS components. Areas where additional research regarding the needs of the older driver and ITS are also presented.