The Impact of Intersection Design on Simulated Driving Performance of Young and Senior Adults

Abstract

This article reports on a study that investigated the effects of improved versus unimproved intersections, using a high-fidelity driving simulator. The authors used kinematics measures and behavioral evaluations to determine whether driving performance during negotiation of improved intersections was safer for older (65-85 years, n = 14) and younger (25-45, n = 5) drivers. The study included five pairs of simulated intersections. Three of the 5 comparisons indicated significantly greater lateral control stability (as measured by maximum yaw rate) during turns at the improved intersections. This is a preliminary report, using a very small sample size. However, the authors note that even these preliminary findings suggest that some of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) guidelines for implementing safe road conditions are helpful to define safer intersections.