Better vehicle design for all

With increases in life expectancy, there is a growing population of older people around the world. As a result, the population of older drivers is showing a similar increase. Many cars have not been designed to meet the needs of people with age-related disabilities. A questionnaire survey of older and younger drivers (paper/online version n=903) and supplementary interviews with drivers aged ≥ 65 years (n=15) were conducted June-August 2012. Younger drivers were identified as <65 years (53.5%) and older drivers were ≥65 years (46.5%). 7.1% of participants were aged ≥ 80. Older males and females reported more difficulties with parallel parking and driving on a foggy day than younger drivers. Significantly more discomfort was reported by older drivers in the hips, thighs, buttocks and knees compared to younger drivers.