Thank you, I did not see that: in-car speech based information systems for older adults

Older adult drivers have more difficulty than the general driving public in attending to driving tasks especially in complex traffic situations. This study examines whether a speech based in-car information system can positively influence driver attitudes, driving performance and safety. Eighteen participants between the ages of 55 and 73 used a driving simulator for approximately thirty minutes in one of three conditions: in-car information system with a young voice informing the driver of upcoming hazards, in-car information system with an older adult voice, and no in-car system. There was a clear positive effect of driving with the in-car information system; drivers felt more confident driving, they completed the driving course in less time (without exceeding the speed limit), and had fewer accidents. There was also a clear positive effect of using a young adult voice for the in-car information system.