A Comparison of Night Hazard Detection between Younger and Older Drivers under Driving Simulation and Real-World Conditions

Abstract

‘’Using eye-tracking technology, this study examined hazard detection at night. Using a 2 (younger versus older) x 2 (simulator versus on road) repeated-measures mixed design, 16 older adults and 17 younger adults drove their own vehicle and on a driving simulator under nighttime conditions wearing eye tracking technology. Both driving conditions had three roadway hazards of pedestrians looking at their cell phone while posed to cross the roadway. Pupil glances were recorded using outcome measures of total fixation duration, number of fixations, and time to first fixation. Results showed older adults detected hazards similarly to younger adults, especially during on-road performance. Night hazard detection was similar across driving conditions except for time to first fixation, which was faster on-road for both age groups. Results support potential use of driving simulators as a proxy for on-road with night driving needed for research and practice.

Keywords:

• Driving
• older adults
• eye-tracking technology
• hazards
• driving performance
• driving simulation

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this paper.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by College of Allied Health Sciences, East Carolina University.

Notes on contributors

Juliette Leonardo

Juliette Leonardo is an occupational therapist who has worked in a variety of settings since her graduation with a master’s degree from East Carolina University in 2021. This study is the result of completing a master’s thesis in occupational therapy.

Anne Dickerson

Dr. Anne Dickerson is a professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at East Carolina University in North Carolina. Dr. Dickerson is an international leader in research in areas of older adults, driving rehabilitation driver simulation, and drivers with autism spectrum disorder.

Qiang Wu

Dr. Qiang Wu is professor in the Department of Public Health at East Carolina University. He has a PhD degree in statistics from the University of Pittsburgh, taught biostatistics methods for 15 years at ECU Department of Biostatistics before joining ECU Department of Public Health.