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29 January 2008
With the number of drivers aged 65 and over set to more than double on Australian roads in the next 30 years, Monash University accident researchers will use one of the world's most advanced portable driving simulators -- the first of its kind in Australia -- to test older drivers.
The Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, today launched the new driving simulator, the EF-X, recently acquired by the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC).
Professor Brian Fildes, MUARC Chair of Road Safety, said state-of-the-art 3D visuals created an exceptionally detailed driving simulation which replicated the full range of driving conditions including night, rain, fog and bright sunlight.
"The EF-X strengthens our researchers' ability to go into the community and collect large amounts of detailed, reliable data on the behaviour of Australian drivers. Its arrival represents an important new era in safety research."
Professor Fildes said the first major project would focus on drivers aged 65 and over -- whose numbers are set to more than double on Australian roads in the next 30 years.
Older drivers would undergo an eight-minute simulated drive testing their skills in a range of situations known to challenge some older drivers, including merging, major intersections, right turns and avoiding sudden obstacles. Younger drivers will also be invited to complete the simulated drive so the performance of different age groups can be compared.
MUARC Senior Research Fellow, Dr Judith Charlton, said understanding the behaviour of older drivers was crucial for determining how roads, cars, training programs, in-car technologies and government policies could make Australian roads as safe as possible for all road users.
The older-driver study is being funded by the AutoCRC (Auto Cooperative Research Centre) in association with Monash University and GM Holden. The simulator will be rotated between two major Melbourne dealerships -- Barloworld Holden in Glen Waverley and John Collins Holden in Mornington -- throughout 2008. Any licensed drivers can take part in the study.
Richard Marshall, GM Holden's Director of Innovation, said he was excited to be working with MUARC on such a valuable study. "Australia has an ageing population and it's essential to invest in understanding how older drivers perceive and respond to potential hazards," Mr Marshall said.
"There's no doubt our focus at GM Holden has expanded to include accident avoidance as well as continuing to improve passenger safety if an accident occurs. With powerful research tools such as this EF-X simulator, we're confident this will assist us to develop potentially life-saving technologies, features and vehicle design solutions. This project reinforces GM Holden's and MUARC's commitment to real world safety."
For additional information please contact Colin Vickery, Media Officer, MUARC on 0419302520. Photos available upon request. | 
