Comparing the responses and visual behaviors of older and younger drivers in car-to-cyclist collisions using a driving simulator

Journal article, 2025

Introduction: While previous research has focused on drivers’ visual behaviors during normal driving, few studies have explored how age-related decline affects driver reactions in collisions. This study bridges this gap by investigating aging effects on driver responses in urban car-to-cyclist intersection scenarios. Method: Twenty-four licensed drivers, younger (mean age 35.3) and older (mean age 73.9), participated in a driving simulator experiment with time-to-collision (TTC) settings of 1 s and 2 s. Drivers’ braking reaction time (BRT) and scan behaviors, including scan frequency, angle, speed, and time were analyzed. Results: While no significant differences in BRT were observed in the TTC 1 s scenario, older drivers showed significantly longer BRT in the TTC 2 s scenario due to longer perception times rather than foot movement times. Drivers increased scan frequency as they approached intersections but then decreased it in the final 20 m, likely to focus on navigating the intersection. Older drivers exhibited less frequent scans, contributing to longer perception times for cyclists, despite no significant differences in scan angles or scan times. To achieve wider scan angles when approaching intersections, both age groups increased scan speed and reduced fixation time while maintaining consistent scan time. Drivers prioritized scans toward sides with poorer visibility to prevent potential hazards. Conclusions: In highly urgent scenarios, no significant differences in BRT were observed between older and younger drivers, but older drivers showed significantly longer BRTs with larger TTC, primarily due to perception time rather than foot movement time. Drivers maintained scan time, increased horizontal scans, and reduced vertical scans when approaching intersections. Age affected only scan frequency among the analyzed parameters. Practical applications: The findings suggest that interventions such as training programs to improve scan techniques and the implementation of advanced driver assistance systems are recommended to enhance safety and reduce collisions at intersections.