|
7 February 2008
The Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) is calling on all adult drivers -- and especially those aged 65 or older -- to take part in an important new study.
The Older Drivers Study, led by MUARC senior research fellow, Dr Judith Charlton, focuses on the driving behaviour of people aged 65 or older -- whose numbers are set to more than double on Australian roads over the next 30 years. Younger and older drivers are needed for the study so the performance of different age groups can be compared.
The simulator is currently stationed at Barloworld Holden, Glen Waverley. It will move to John Collins Holden, Mornington, in the near future.
Drivers undergo an eight-minute simulated drive in MUARC's new EF-X portable driving simulator. The drive tests skills in a range of situations known to challenge some older drivers, including merging, major intersections, right turns and avoiding sudden obstacles. It is the first study involving the EF-X.
"Understanding the behaviour of older drivers is crucial for determining how factors such as road and car designs, training programs, in-car technologies and government policies can best address road safety issues," Dr Charlton said.
The study is funded by the Auto Cooperative Research Centre (AutoCRC), Monash University and GM Holden. People interested in taking part should contact Anna Devlin at MUARC on +61 3 9905 1862 or at Anna.Devlin@muarc.monash.edu.au.
For more information, please contact Colin Vickery, MUARC Media Officer, on 0419 302 520. | 
