Distraction and Older Drivers: An Emerging Problem?

Distracted driving is widely recognised as a significant threat to the safety of all road users. Age-related declines in a range
of sensory, cognitive and physical processes can, however, make older drivers particularly vulnerable to risks associated
with distraction. While traditionally viewed as a younger driver issue, distracted driving among the older driver cohort is
predicted to increase as future generations of older drivers drive more often, and for longer, and embrace technology in
increasing numbers. This paper discusses current knowledge regarding why older drivers are particularly vulnerable to
the effects of distracted driving and reviews recent research on older driver distraction engagement and its impact on their
driving performance. Also presented, is an Australian case study of older driver secondary task engagement using data from
the recently completed Australian Naturalistic Driving Study (ANDS). This case study examined patterns of secondary task
engagement during everyday trips among 48 older (60+), middle-aged (43-49 years) and young (22-31 years) drivers. The
findings suggest that Australian older drivers do engage in a large number of secondary tasks when driving; however, there is
evidence that they self-regulate the type and timing of these tasks.