Orientation in road traffic. Age-related differences using an in-vehicle navigation system and a conventional map.

Forty-eight drivers of different ages (35-50 years old, 61 years and older) took part in our study, which tested a marketable navigation system (TRAVELPILOT IDS). Driving and navigation performance, as well as mental workload and the acceptance of innovative technology, were investigated. A limited range of findings will be presented in this paper. The results show that older and middle-aged drivers differ in only a few aspects. Both age groups reveal comparable results in driving. However, regarding the operation of the navigation system and concerning its effectiveness, older drivers performed worse. Age-related differences being rather small, analyses revealed significant global differences between the navigation system and a common road map: usage of the TRAVELPILOT influenced driving behavior negatively with respect to traffic safety. Also, the drivers' orientation was not any better using the navigation system. Based on this experimental work and on results derived from the literature, conclusions are drawn regarding future navigation systems in general and with respect to needs of elderly drivers.