Older drivers needed for study of driver behaviour

Deakin University researchers are calling on drivers aged between 65 and 80 years to take part in a study aimed at developing strategies to keep healthy older drivers on the roads for longer.

The study, being conducted in association with Monash University, is funded by Rotary Health and Alzheimer's Australia. The researchers will investigate the driving behaviour of healthy older drivers with particular emphasis on how they negotiate intersections.

With the proportion of Australia's population aged 65 and over predicted to increase substantially over the next two decades, older drivers will comprise a large proportion of drivers on the roads, said Anna Devlin, a Doctor of Psychology student at Deakin.

"By understanding how older drivers negotiate intersections and what aspects they find most challenging, we can help in the development of driver training programs and fitness to drive assessments with the ultimate aim of keeping older drivers safe and on the road for longer," Ms Devlin said.

The researchers are looking for healthy drivers, aged between 65 and 80 years who do not suffer any cognitive impairment, to take part in the study. Participation will involve a drive in a state-of-the-art driving simulator at Monash University Clayton, completion of a short survey and a set of tests related to driving.

Ms Devlin would like people interested in taking part to know that results of the study are purely for research purposes.

"This is not a pass or fail test for driving performance and participants' results are confidential," Ms Devlin said.

For further information, or to register participation in the study, contact Anna Devlin on 0413 735 367 or emailaldev@deakin.edu.au