Visual search strategies of older drivers at rural expressway intersections

Shan Bao, Linda Ng Boyle

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Studies show that older drivers are at a greater risk for crashes at unsignalized intersections. The objective of this study is to examine the visual search pattern of older drivers as they begin one of three drive maneuvers (i.e., left turn, right turn, and straight across) at two different rural expressway intersections (i.e., high and low crash areas). Twenty drivers participated in this study with 10 older drivers (65-80 years old) and 10 middle-aged drivers (35-55 years old) used as a comparison group. Results show that older drivers used significantly less search time to get ready for all maneuvers when compared to middle-aged drivers. There was also an interaction effect with older drivers taking significantly less search time during higher traffic volumes. Middleaged drivers would search for potential hazards and wait for an appropriate gap distance before entering into the intersection.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication51st Annual Meeting of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, HFES 2007
Pages1560-1564
Number of pages5
StatePublished - 2007
Event51st Annual Meeting of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, HFES 2007 - Baltimore, MD, United States
Duration: Oct 1 2007Oct 5 2007

Publication series

NameProceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society
Volume3
ISSN (Print)1071-1813

Conference

Conference51st Annual Meeting of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, HFES 2007
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBaltimore, MD
Period10/1/0710/5/07

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Human Factors and Ergonomics

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