TALLAHASSEE, Fl. (WTXL) -- Experts at Florida State University's Institute for Successful Longevity (ISL) have a driving simulator to help identify problems and solutions for drivers over the age of 60.
"It [The study] is concerned with the idea of trying to keep older adults mobile as long as possible", said Neil Charness, Director of the ISL. "And because of the sorts of changes that take place in vision, and hearing, and cognitive performance with age, older drivers may be more at risk for certain types of crashes."
The institute is studying the trends that may develop on the road for the elderly to help the Florida Department of Transportation offer better "tip cards: explaining new road features.
In one particular study of 120 participants, one of the main goals was to learn why and how people turned into oncoming traffic or made a "wrong way entrance" onto the interstate.
"More cues are essentially better in these projects", said Psychology Associate Professor Walter Boot. "We find that wrong way entrances are less likely to occur when you have larger signs, when you have more lane markings, when you have additional types of the same signs. All of these seem to improve peoples ability to judge exit ramps to entrance ramps."
And while the results of this first study are promising so far, with 97% of participants turning correctly, the trends identified may help go a long way.
"We're in a position to make a judgment about the things that are like a wrong way entrance or that might lead to a wrong way entrance", said Charness. "And then look at the impacts of different types of countermeasures."
If you are a senior in Wakulla, Gadsden, or Leon county, keep an eye out for a postcard inviting you to help participate in research projects from the institute.
