The Effect of Active Versus Passive Training Strategies on Improving Older Drivers' Scanning in Intersections

Objective: This study aimed (a) to determine whether older drivers looked less often for potential threats while turning than younger drivers and (b) to compare the effectiveness of active and passive training on older drivers' performance and evaluation of their driving skills in intersections.

Background: Age-related declines in vision, physical abilities, psychomotor coordination, and cognition combine to make it less likely that older drivers will look for potential threats during a turn. Research suggests that active training should be an effective means of improving older drivers' performance and self-awareness.

Method: In Experiment 1, younger and older participants drove a series of virtual intersection scenarios, were shown video replays, and were provided feedback. In Experiment 2, older drivers were assigned to one of three cohorts: active simulator training, passive classroom training, or no training. Pre- and posttraining simulator and field drives assessed training effectiveness.

Results: In Experiment 1, older drivers looked less often during turns than younger drivers. Customized feedback was successful in altering drivers' perception of their abilities. In Experiment 2, active training increased a driver's probability of looking for a threat during a turn by nearly 100% in both posttraining simulator and field drives. Those receiving passive training or no training showed no improvement.

Conclusion: Compared with passive training, active training is a more effective strategy for increasing older drivers' likelihood of looking for threats during a turn.

Application: The results of this research can guide the development of programs that could reduce intersection crashes among older drivers.