Research Papers (2009 – 2013)

Abstract

PURPOSE: There are several reports indicating that a high percentage of older drivers’ collisions occurs at intersections. In fact, older drivers are two to three times more likely than younger drivers to be involved in intersection crashes, and they are considered at fault more often than younger drivers. A better understanding of the behaviour of older drivers at intersections may provide some insights into the causes of this overrepresentation. METHOD: In this study, older drivers (twelve men and seven women older than 65 years of age, all active drivers) drove a 12-km road test that included nine stop sign-controlled intersections. Instantaneous speed and trajectory of the vehicle were measured with a high-speed GPS (20 Hz). Traffic at the intersection was documented through three digital cameras capturing images synchronously. RESULTS: Overall, a complete stop was observed for less than 10 % of the intersections (out of 155 intersections); all of these intersections required a complete stop because of the traffic conditions. Often, the lowest speed achieved was significant (up to 19 km/h). CONCLUSION: The habit of rolling stop signs when there is no incoming traffic could impinge on safety and put older drivers at higher risk of a collision because of a general slowing in the detection and processing of visual information associated with normal aging. The implications of these findings for promoting safe driving habits in older drivers are discussed.

Martin Lavallière, Normand Teasdale, Mathieu Tremblay, Martin Simoneau, Thierry Moszkowicz, Denis Laurendeau