Automatic Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) are increasingly available in modern vehicles, as technology moves toward fully self-driving cars. Many drivers have had experience with vehicles that are partially automated, where drivers can choose to enable automatic features but are still responsible for managing most of the driving tasks. However, there is limited understanding of older adults’ current experience with these systems.
NeuRA researchers, led by Scientia Professor Kaarin Anstey, are currently working to understand the experiences of older Australians with vehicles that have Automatic Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) that either fully or partially automate certain driving tasks such as speed control, and lane-keeping and braking via the National Survey of Adaptive Vehicle Technology. This project is a partnership with National Seniors Australia.
Older adults could benefit greatly from automated driving, but as its popularity increases it’s also critical to understand how well it is adapted to the needs and abilities of older adults. Through this survey, researchers are seeking to identify the factors that influence seniors’ decisions to use ADAS while driving, including their knowledge, levels of trust, and sensory and cognitive abilities.
Researchers hope the findings from this ARC-funded project, will ultimately inform seniors, policymakers, vehicle interface designers, and insurers about how ageing influences the utility and uptake of ADAS.
Currently, the data collection is complete and analysis is underway with findings planned for presentation at upcoming conferences and publications.
More on the research team
Professor Anstey and her team conduct research into public health, in particular dementia risk reduction and prevention and assessment tools for clinicians and consumers. Read more about her work here.
