The development of a multimedia and virtual reality aid to the self‐regulation of driving in older individuals

Abstract

Appropriate self‐regulation of exposure to driving in view of age‐related declines in driving ability is a significant problem for older individuals in the UK, as programmes designed to encourage and support self‐regulation are sorely lacking. This paper outlines the development of a CD‐based Mixed Media and Virtual Reality (MMVR) programme, consisting of: information and reference material; cognitive tests; and virtual reality (VR) driving simulator components, all of which are orientated to address the older driver. The research on the self‐regulation of driving that informs the rationale and development of the ‘shell’ of the MMVR programme is overviewed, followed by a description of state of development of the cognitive tests and VR driving simulation components of the CD. It is argued that the development of programmes such as that proposed in this paper are necessary to reconcile the mobility needs of the expanding UK elderly population and public safety concerns.

Citation

Penn, P., Rose, D. and Leadbetter, A. (2009), "The development of a multimedia and virtual reality aid to the self‐regulation of driving in older individuals", Journal of Assistive Technologies, Vol. 3 No. 4, pp. 21-35. https://doi.org/10.1108/17549450200900031