Older adults (≥65 years) account for 20% of the US population but are over-represented in multiple-vehicle crashes. Automated vehicles (AVs) may hold safety benefits for older adults, if they adopt this emerging technology. Prior to adoption, older adults must first be exposed to this technology. A research team led by Dr. Sherrilene Classen, examined the effects of AV exposure on older drivers’ perceptions in STRIDE Project D2 – UF & UAB’s Phase I Demonstration Study: Older Driver Experiences with Autonomous Vehicle Technology. The researchers developed and validated a survey to assess older drivers’ perceptions of AVs. This survey was used at baseline and after exposure to a simulator operating in automated mode and after riding in a highly automated shuttle (SAE Level 4). The findings of this study provide initial evidence that exposing older drivers to an automated simulator or on-road automated shuttle may promote older adults’ acceptance and adoption of AVs.
A webinar to present this research is scheduled for May 26, 2021 12:00 PM (Eastern) [sponsored by the Council of University Transportation Centers]. Registration is open to all.