Active and passive safety systems (not only) for senior citizens : Systems to increase road safety

Abstract

Due to a constantly increasing life expectancy and the need to stay mobile at a high age, the proportion of over 65-year-olds in traffic accidents is increasing from year to year. In order to identify potentials for increasing the safety of seniors in road traffic, accident data were analyzed with respect to the categories of road users and accident types of this age group. Based on the accident data analysis, active and passive safety systems are described that could increase the road safety particular for senior citizens. It was found that older road users are frequently involved in accidents as car occupants, cyclists and pedestrians. In addition, car drivers and cyclists aged 65 years and older are frequently involved in driving, turning and crossing accidents. Lane departure warning and emergency braking assistants have ahigh potential for accident avoidance as they can defuse critical situations at the last moment. Restraint systems (airbags, seat belts) adapted to physical characteristics could minimize the severity of injuries to older car occupants.