For some older drivers, the prospect of taking the car out in order to go shopping or see friends is can be stressful - a stress inspired by the risk of having a collision or suffering a car breakdown. But new research being carried out at Newcastle University is aiming to use technology in order to make driving easier for older motorists.
As part of the £12 million "social inclusion through the digital economy (SiDE)" project, led by the university, new ways are being sought to reduce stress encountered by senior drivers. The "DriveLAB" - a technology laden electric car developed by the university - has navigation tools, intelligent speed adaptations and night vision systems.
The data gathered by this system, along with information taken from older drivers directly, is pointing towards ways that technology can be used to make the driving experience easier.
The project is driven by the fact that so many older people rely on their car in order to carry out the basic tasks of life, but also as a way to maintain social contact with the world. If a driver feels compelled to reduce the amount of driving they do, or even give it up all together, there is a risk that that person can become isolated.
Among the technology being developed are night vision systems for aiding night-time driving and a specialised sat-nav system.
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