Use of Advanced In-Vehicle Technology by Young and Older Early Adopters: Survey Results on Navigation Systems. Traffic Safety Facts

摘要

Built-in vehicle navigation systems are proliferating in the United States. Navigation systems use GPS signals and map databases to display maps and turn-by-turn driving directions. Routing functions are also being integrated within larger driver information systems (radio, CD player, HVAC, etc.), and the use of voice recognition technology is becoming more common as a means to interact with and control system functions. One in eight Americans is 65 or older, and this proportion will continue to grow in the coming years. It is possible that new technologies such as navigation systems can assist older drivers to drive safer with less stress, thus extending their safe driving years. It is also possible that navigation systems may cause unintended consequences, such as over-reliance on the technology or increased levels of distraction. The research reported here was conducted as one part of a broader study to learn more about driver experience with several new and emerging in-vehicle technologies. The focus of this study is on how these technologies are being used and how well their capabilities and limitations are understood, with a particular emphasis on the experiences of older drivers.