3952 - FOSTERING TRUST AND ACCEPTANCE OF ADVANCED DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS AMONG OLDER ADULTS THROUGH HUMAN-CENTERED DESIGN AND TRAINING

Session: 3949 - SUPPORTING SAFE DRIVING AND MOBILITY IN OLDER ADULTS
AUTHORS:
St Louis Renée M (University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute ~ Ann Arbor ~ United States of America)
Abstract text:
Research on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) among the older driver population has suggested the potential for ADAS to improve driving safety and extend safe mobility by helping older drivers overcome health and functional changes commonly experienced in later-life. However, attaining the anticipated benefits of these technologies is dependent upon older drivers' awareness, understanding, and effective use of ADAS within their own vehicles. A series of three studies were conducted that highlight the critical importance of trust and acceptance in vehicle technology adoption and well as the need for the inclusion of older adults in the design of ADAS and related training programs. The first study utilized Vehicle Technology Questionnaire data from the Longitudinal Research on Aging Drivers (LongROAD) Study. Results showed an increase in the prevalence of ADAS technologies in participants' vehicles across five years, but frequency of use of these technologies did not change over time. A two-phase qualitative study was then conducted using nominal and focus groups of older adults to identify benefits and barriers to using ADAS, as well as their learning preferences and methods for understanding how to use ADAS. Results emphasized the need for hands-on experiences to build trust and understanding of emerging technologies. A third study developed and tested a pilot training program which encompassed both a classroom session and practical demonstrations of ADAS features at an autonomous vehicle test track facility. Results showed increased trust and intentions to use ADAS following the training program. This line of research underscores the importance of human-centered design and inclusive training programs to enhance technology adoption among older adults and emphasizes the critical role of trust and acceptance for encouraging the adoption of new technologies.