Simulator assessment of older driver proficiency

This paper describes initial analyses of simulator performance data from a study designed to develop simulator assessment procedures for older drivers. The study compares the driving simulator performance of younger drivers (21-50) with older drivers (70-90). Driving scenarios were designed to minimize simulator sickness symptoms which appear to increase with age and be more severe in females. The simulator performance results show sensitivity to age, and do not appear to be affected by simulator sickness symptoms.