Analysis on the driving behavior of old drivers by driving recorder GPS trajectory data

Abstract

With the aging of the population, the number of elderly drivers is increasing. Elderly drivers tend to overestimate their driving abilities, despite their maneuvering skills and cognitive function worsening with aging. Therefore, understanding the driving behavior of older drivers is becoming increasingly important for assisting their safe driving. This research analyzes the characteristics of old drivers' driving behaviors by utilizing the GPS trajectory data collected by the driving recorders installed in their vehicles. The analysis conducted was from the perspectives of route choice, driving time, driving distance, risky driving event, and driving speed. Furthermore, a linear regression model was used to explore the influence of drivers’ socioeconomic attributes and travel behaviors on driving speed. The results show that older drivers prefer short-distance travel in the daytime and tend to have more risky driving behaviors with aging.