3950 - ADVANCED VEHICLE FEATURES AND OLDER DRIVERS: BRIDGING GENERATIONS TO ENHANCE ROAD SAFETY

Session: 3949 - SUPPORTING SAFE DRIVING AND MOBILITY IN OLDER ADULTS
AUTHORS:
Vrkljan Brenda (McMaster University ~ Hamilton, ~ Canada)
Abstract text:
University engineering students participate in the EcoCAR competition to design next-generation electric vehicles. The Equity in Mobility (EiM) subteam aims to advance inclusivity and accessibility within the EcoCAR team. As part of this multi-year competition, students hold community events with vulnerable road users to raise awareness about safety, design, and vehicle advancements. Traditionally, these events have been one-way exchanges where students 'teach' others, rather than bi-directional learning opportunities. This project used the EcoCAR competition to create an intergenerational educational platform where older adults, the fastest-growing segment of car users, learn about emerging in-vehicle technologies, including Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS). For students, this exchange provides an opportunity to understand lifelong mobility, identify normal age-related changes in functional status, and optimize person-vehicle fit to support out-of-home participation in later life. Interviews and data collected from both age groups during the 2023-2025 EcoCAR competition cycle highlight several key findings. Older adults show a high interest in ADAS technologies, particularly those enhancing safety, such as collision avoidance systems and lane-keeping assistance. However, concerns about the complexity and user-friendliness of these systems indicate a need for more intuitive designs and better user education. Through intergenerational activities, students gain valuable insights into the functional capacities of older adults and the challenges faced while driving. This understanding is crucial for designing vehicles that accommodate age-related changes in vision, reaction time, and cognition. Findings also underscore the importance of user acceptance in the successful implementation of ADAS technologies. By involving older adults in the design process, more effective transport solutions can be created. Future challenges include addressing the diverse needs of older drivers, ensuring ADAS technologies are inclusive across age and ability, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptation in the evolving transportation landscape.