Older driver’s physiological response under risky driving conditions— overtaking, unprotected left turn

Abstract

Twenty healthy elderly and twenty healthy young taxi drivers drove a car simulator through an immersive virtual environment. Two driving events were considered intersection crossing and overtaking a lead vehicle with continuous cross traffic coming from opposing direction. The physiological responses measured were electroencephalogram (EEG) from frontal (Fz) and occipital lobe (O2), electrocardiogram (ECG), and galvanic skin response (GSR). The data were measured using Biopac MP150 system and analyzed using AcqKnowledge (ver. 4.2) software. EEG results conveyed stress and eyestrain for the elderly; the increased heart rate and GSR results expressed the nervousness and/or stress for the elderly in both driving situations. The physiological results confirm that aging causes a decrement in cognitive functions, the deficit in visual perceptual skills, and difficulty in decision-making. Therefore, research and policy improvement required for elders. For example, the shorter renewal period for a driving license, and cognitive test like in the USA.