Feelings and strategies of senior drivers: ways of coping with fear?

Abstract

Motivation -- This study explores the way senior drivers (compared to younger ones) adapt to the growing difficulties they have in being attentive and reactive when driving. Research approach -- The approach is based on video analysis and post-activity verbalisations; we videotaped 12 subjects' natural drive in a big city, and conducted video-based interviews. Findings -- The analysis indicates that seniors are more frightened than younger drivers and less aggressive, and that they express more their emotions verbally right after the drive than mimically during the drive. We also distinguish two profiles of senior drivers: one is hypervigilant, hesitating and very anxious, and the other one is deliberately delegating the control and the attention to the other drivers, is quieter and has a smoother driving. Implications and message -- We conclude on the importance of the emotional comfort in the strategies of adaptation chosen by the drivers, and propose some advices for designing help systems for seniors.