Sign Detection and Driving Competency for Older Drivers with Impaired Vision

Driving is a key aspect of independence for many older individuals. However, road safety may be compromised if an individual is not able to perceive adequately the driving environment. In this paper, we examine whether driver assistance systems that are currently the subject of research can help in this regard. Specifically, can we identify deficits that lead to older adults needing to cease driving, and can technologies reduce the impact of these deficits on driver competence. Results from a study of older adults with cataract who are awaiting surgery showed that impaired visual acuity was associated with difficulties reading road signs. In a significant proportion of the group studied, reading signs was their major issue in driving. We summarise some sign detection results from the NICTA/ANU Intelligent Vehicle Project and review other current literature on sign detection and recognition, and evaluate the potential of this line of research for assisting older adults’ driving competence and road safety.