Hazard Perception and Cognitive Ageing in Older Drivers: Investigation and Development

Older road users have high fatal crash rates that cost the Australian economy $500 million annually. Cognitive changes in normal ageing such as reductions in visual selective attention, slower information processing speed and reductions in executive function may be associated with increased crash risk. This proposal investigates how cognitive ageing affects perception of traffic hazards using a video-based system. Traffic hazards will be classified according to how they relate to cognitive changes in ageing. Video-based hazard perception methodology will be validated with a standardised on-road driving assessment. Novel interventions will be developed to improve hazard perception and reduce crash risk.