Neuropsychological Aspects of Aging and Driving for Inclusive Automotive Interior Design ()
Affiliation(s)
1Associated Laboratory for Energy, Transports, and Aeronautics INEGI/LAETA, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
2Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, Polytechnic of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
3N2i, Polytechnic Institute of Maia, Maia, Portugal.
4University Institute of Maia (ISMAI), Maia, Portugal.
5Unit for Research in Human Development and Psychology—UNIDEP, University Institute of Maia, Maia, Portugal.
ABSTRACT
As
people grow older, their cognitive functions undergo changes which may result
in uncomfortable driving situations and even increase the risk of accidents.
This research aims to understand the neuropsychological aspects of healthy
aging and their possible relationship in changes
in motor performance or ability. The research methodology is descriptive and
includes a collection of basic studies in the scope of neuroscience, driving
tasks, and older driver behavior. The final analysis points to certain changes
in the functioning of the cerebral cortex and its connections as being
responsible for poor performance in some basic driving tasks, but which can be
compensated for by means of adapted mechanisms in motor vehicles. This study
may contribute as a methodological tool, to the automobile design process, for
the selection of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) or other emerging
technologies which can compensate cognitive changes, improve safety, comfort
and inclusion of older drivers in the future of automobile interior design. We
conclude that in normal aging, people may present some cognitive deficits
especially linked to the frontal and parietal lobe, which interfere with the
necessary driving skills albeit not with the dangerous ones and can be
compensated by technological solutions. The main innovation of this article is
related to the bibliographical compilation and critical analysis in terms of
identifying the neuropsychological aspects of normal human aging and car
driving and its relationship with possible contributions from vehicular
technology, as well its consider future trends in automotive interior design
that should be analysed with caution in order to users inclusion.
Share and Cite:
Fernandes, S.C.F. and Chong, Y. (2021) Neuropsychological Aspects of Aging and Driving for Inclusive Automotive Interior Design.
Journal of Transportation Technologies,
11, 390-403. doi:
10.4236/jtts.2021.113025.
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