The processing of complex guidance symbols by elderly drivers: a simulator-based study and an evaluation of the CARMINAT guidance system by the European Community DRIVE-EDDIT project

An experimental approach has been implemented on the INRETS-LESCO driving simulator to investigate the potential interaction between size and complexity of symbolic guidance information in relation with age. According to the results obtained, the differences in performance between the young and elderly subjects increases as a function of the symbol complexity. The EDDIT programme has conducted the evaluation of a French version of the CARIN guidance system with a sample of elderly drivers. The subjective view of the system was positive. A majority of the elderly subjects found the system easy to use and comfortable to drive with. Some possible problems related to the answers to complex or equivocal guidance information while driving in the trials have been identified.