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Driving and Functional Capacity

ARU has involvement in several studies on older drivers in collaboration with investigators from Queensland University of Technology (Professor Wood), the University of Queensland (Dr Horswill, Assoc Professor Pachana) and National ICT Australia (Associate Professor Barnes).

 

Cognitive ageing and hazard perception

A hazard perception test for older drivers has been developed using footage form the ACT. Over 300 older drivers have been assessed on this test and other cognitive and visual tests. Currently the test is being evaluated in conjunction with an on-road driving test. In 2009 the project will pilot research adapting Smart Car technology to improve safety for older drivers in conjunction with National ICT Australia.

For more information, see Cognitive Ageing and Hazard Perception

 

Development of risk assessment tools

As part of the Prevention of Older Persons’ Injury program, we have developed a screening battery to be used with healthy older drivers to assess driver safety. This battery has been validated on 270 drivers at QUT, and further research on the tool is ongoing. Other research is focussing on developing assessment tools for older drivers with cognitive impairment.

 

ARU staff and students working on Driving and Functional Capacity

• Professor Kaarin Anstey
• Dr Tim Windsor
• Mr Chris Hatherly
• Dr Karin du Plessis
• Ms Arianne Schlumpp