A new study by researchers at the UNSW Ageing Futures Institute has examined how older Australian drivers perceive and trust Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS).
A new study by researchers at the UNSW Ageing Futures Institute has examined how older Australian drivers perceive and trust Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS).
With Australia’s ageing population and increasing numbers of older drivers, ADAS – such as lane-keeping assistance and automatic emergency braking – are being introduced to improve road safety. For these systems to be effective, drivers need to trust and accept them.
The study surveyed over 1,000 older drivers (average age 72) and found that while most participants had a positive attitude toward ADAS, trust in the systems was relatively low. Concerns included privacy, safety, and potential system failures. The research also validated the Partial Automation Acceptance Scale, a model that assesses attitudes, trust, and perceptions of risk related to ADAS. These findings suggest that acceptance and trust strongly influence whether older drivers will use these systems.
“Our study highlights the importance of ensuring that older drivers not only have access to ADAS but also understand and trust these technologies,” says lead author of the publication Dr Abigail Hansen, Associate Investigator at the UNSW Ageing Futures Institute.
“By addressing concerns around privacy and reliability, we can improve confidence in ADAS and enhance road safety for all. These findings underscore the need for targeted education and design improvements to enhance trust in ADAS, ultimately supporting older drivers to stay on the road safely for longer.”
Read the full study here.