This study aimed to investigate correlations between mental workload, age, and NeuroTracker measures, with driving performance in 3 simulated scenarios, to see if these factors could be predictive of driving risks.

What Was Studied

115 drivers were divided into three age and experience groups: young inexperienced (18-21 years old), adult experienced (25-55 years old) and older adult (70-86 years old). Participants were tested for 2 hours across three different driving scenarios varying in mental workload (low, medium, high), which each involved dangerous events that the participants needed to react to. A sophisticated VS500M simulator was used which provided 18 different metrics on driving performance. To evaluate the participants’ ability to capture and integrate relevant information in a highly complex visual environment, they were also evaluated with NeuroTracker (3D-MOT) initial baselines. The overall data was analysed in detail for correlations.

What Was Found

Older participants generally drove more slowly, and after perceiving potential threats, older drivers took defensive action earlier than younger drivers. However, older drivers were also less likely to identify these threats in sufficient time to react appropriately. Younger participants were more likely to be involved in near crashes than older drivers. For responding to dangerous events, younger drivers tended to favor steering movements to avoid crashes, while older drivers were more likely to brake abruptly.

Takeaways

Statistical analysis of NeuroTracker results demonstrated that they effectively predicted elevated risks of crashes. More specifically, NeuroTracker data predicted steering rate and the distance at which large steering reactions were made in order to evade accidents. Lower NeuroTracker scores also correlated significantly with slower average driving speed for older adults, providing evidence towards the theory that driving more slowly is related to the cognitive effects of aging.

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Reference: Jesse Michaels et al. ‘Driving simulator scenarios and measures to faithfully evaluate risky driving behavior: A comparative study of different driver age groups’  PLoS ONE 12(10), 2017.

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