title: Using Simulation to Better Understand the Effects of Aging on Driver Visibility.
abstract: This proof-of-concept pilot study explored virtual simulation methodology to quantify blind-spot line-of-sight using avatars derived from an older driver database (n = 100). Siemens Jack software simulated the blind spots of eight older driver avatars (four female). The male and female avatars were scaled to be small (25th percentile) and large (75th percentile) based on the height distribution for the older driver database, and had either "normal" (65 degrees) or "abnormal" (50 degrees) neck range of motion (ROM). A virtual model of a Volkswagen Beetle was used to illustrate left and right blind-spot line-of-sight for each avatar. Average line-of-sight between blind spots was 22.3 per cent and 10.4 per cent in the "normal" and "abnormal" rotational neck ROM conditions, respectively. Older drivers with functional impairments affecting neck ROM are more likely to have problems with left blind-spot line-of-sight. Findings are discussed with regard to vehicle design considerations for older adults.
authors.affiliation: School of Kinesiology, McMaster University.|Toronto Rehabilitation Institute.
authors.forename: Tara
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kajaks
authors.affiliation: School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University.
authors.forename: Brenda
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Vrkljan
authors.affiliation: School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University.|Hand and Upper Limb Centre Clinical Research Lab, St. Joseph's Health Centre.
authors.forename: Joy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: MacDermid
authors.affiliation: Human Kinetics, Laurentian University.
authors.forename: Allison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Godwin
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D001334:Automobile Driving; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D000075082:Proof of Concept Study; D012984:Software; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis
keywords: aging; blind spot detection; conducteurs âgés; digital human models; détection des angles morts; ligne de visée; line-of-sight; modèles humains numériques; older drivers; simulation; vieillissment