The ergonomic and safety implications of in-car ATT devices-evidence from field trials with elderly drivers

The DRIVE II project EDDIT (Elderly and Disabled Drivers' Information Telematics) has evaluated a number of in-vehicle telematic systems in terms of their potential value in extending the safe driving life of the elderly. Although the terms of reference of the project focus on the benefits and safety implications for what appears to be a particularly vulnerable group-the over-65s- EDDIT's experimental work has provided valuable insights into ergonomic issues that concern all users, and has highlighted both the usefulness and usability of different types of man-machine interface. Among the devices tested have been two reversing aids (one dashboard-mounted, the other located behind the driver), three types of route guidance system and a head-up night vision enhancement system. Unlike other in-vehicle innovations, such as mobile telephones and music systems, the systems studied within EDDIT add another element to the driving task, leading potentially to an increase in the driver's visual and mental workload, and many of them require the user to switch his/her visual attention from the road scene ahead. The possible safety implications of using such devices are therefore very important, particularly in the case of elderly people, whose capacity to cope with the various mental and cognitive demands of driving may in any case be almost saturated. This paper discusses these issues in the light of the results of EDDIT'S field trials.