Driver Simulation Training for Aging Adults

Overseen By Shiva Yazdani, MSc

Age: 65+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Western University, Canada

Must not be taking: Psychotropic medications

Disqualifiers: Neurological, psychiatric conditions, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

Duration: 12 weeks

68 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial examines how older drivers can enhance their driving skills using new car technologies. It focuses on features like Lane Departure Warning, Cruise Control, and Forward Proximity Warning, which help drivers stay safe on the road. The goal is to determine if these technologies, when used over time, reduce driving mistakes and increase driver comfort with the technology. The study involves ADAS-integrated driver simulation training, incorporating these advanced driver-assistance systems. Older adults aged 65 or above with a valid driver's license and no major neurological or psychiatric conditions may be suitable for this trial. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to research that could improve road safety for older drivers.

Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot participate if you use psychotropic medications that negatively affect mental or physical functioning.

What prior data suggests that this driver simulation training is safe for older adults?

Research has shown that advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), such as lane departure warnings and cruise control, used in driver simulation training, can enhance safety for older adults by reducing crashes. These technologies assist older drivers by making driving easier and safer.

Older drivers often approach ADAS cautiously, which can affect their trust in these systems. However, training with ADAS helps them feel more comfortable and confident. This training enables them to understand and use these tools effectively.

No specific reports of negative side effects or safety concerns have emerged from using ADAS in driving simulations. This suggests that ADAS is generally well-tolerated in this type of training. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about ADAS-integrated driver simulation training because it offers a novel way to enhance driving skills specifically for older adults. Unlike traditional driving refresher courses, this simulation training incorporates advanced technologies like Lane Departure Warning, Cruise Control, and Forward Proximity Warning. These features help participants practice and adapt to real-world driving scenarios in a controlled, virtual environment, aiming to reduce critical driving errors and improve overall safety. This approach is unique because it combines cutting-edge driver assistance technologies with immersive training, potentially making driving safer and more intuitive for aging drivers.

What evidence suggests that ADAS-integrated driver simulation training is effective for older drivers?

Research has shown that advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), such as lane departure warning, cruise control, and forward proximity warning, enhance safety for older adults by reducing accidents. In this trial, participants will engage in ADAS-integrated driver simulation training to familiarize themselves with these features. Older drivers using ADAS report feeling less stressed and more at ease while driving. Learning to use these systems boosts confidence and simplifies operation. For older adults, ADAS addresses age-related challenges, like changes in vision or slower reaction times. Overall, these technologies promise to help older drivers remain safer on the roads. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Liliana Alvarez, PhD

Principal Investigator

Western University, Canada

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for older adults aged 65 or above who have a valid driver's license. It aims to understand how certain car safety features can help them drive safer and whether they find these technologies easy and useful.

Inclusion Criteria

I am 65 years old or older.

I have a valid driver's license.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Baseline Assessment

Participants complete vision screening, driving history, and various cognitive and physical assessments

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants undergo ADAS-integrated driver simulation training or control training sessions

12 weeks

Multiple sessions (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for sustained efficacy of ADAS intervention and driving performance

4 weeks

2 visits (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• ADAS-integrated driver simulation training

Trial Overview The study tests if training with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) like lane departure warnings, cruise control, and forward proximity warning in a driving simulator can reduce driving errors over time compared to just simulator training.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: ADAS-integrated driver simulation training Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The intervention administered in this study is ADAS-integrated driver simulation training. Participants in this arm will undergo training sessions using a high-fidelity driving simulator equipped with Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Cruise Control (CC), and Forward Proximity Warning (FPW) technologies. These technologies are designed to assist older drivers (≥65 years of age) in improving their driving performance and reducing critical driving errors. The training will simulate real-world driving scenarios to help participants become familiar with and effectively use these ADAS features.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Western University, Canada

Lead Sponsor

Trials

270

Recruited

62,500+

Citations

1. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-older-adults-5-2024-cbfb0

Driver Simulation Training for Aging Adults Research shows that advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) used in driver simulation training can improve safety for older adults by reducing crashes and ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11587038/

Understanding Elderly Drivers' Perception of Advanced Driver ... Older adults believed that the use of ADAS could significantly reduce the stress associated with driving, improve efficiency and comfort during ...

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S092575352500267X

Exploring ADAS driver training in driving academies For older drivers, ADAS training raises ease of use and trust. •. Phased training − theory, track practice, and real-road driving − builds confidence. •.

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6989382/

AGING Older Adults' Driving Behavior Using Longitudinal ... This study assessed older drivers' driving behavior when using longitudinal and lateral vehicle warning systems together.

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2214140525001999

Acceptance of advanced driver assistance systems among ... Some ADAS may be particularly beneficial for older drivers, as these technologies can assist those experiencing age-related visual, auditory, cognitive, and ...

6. aaafoundation.org aaafoundation.org/older-drivers-and-advanced-driver-assistance-systems/

Older Drivers and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems This research brief describes the efforts to address questions on driver perception of and learning methods for advanced driver assistance systems.

7. rosap.ntl.bts.gov rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/86799/dot_86799_DS1.pdf

Evaluating Older Drivers' Reaction to Forward Collision ... This research aims to evaluate older drivers' responses to Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Automatic. Emergency Braking (AEB) systems under visual ...