The impact of ageing on capacity for and decisions about driving

Abstract

This symposium will focus on developing a better understanding of the impact of ageing on drivers’ ability to detect and respond to hazards and obstacles. While these abilities are important in decisions about whether to continue driving, a range of other factors will also impinge on these decisions. The key learning outcomes are: 1. to increase the awareness of researchers of the critical abilities that influence drivers’ ability to detect and respond to hazards; 2. to encourage health practitioners to reflect on the range of factors that influence decisions about whether to continue driving; 3. to assist drivers to better understand the impact of ageing on their abilities; 4. to encourage designers and engineers to develop technologies that counter the negative effects of ageing; and 5. to provide road safety policy makers with a better scientific base with which to consider new legislation.