UNIVERSITY of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) researchers are calling on older drivers to take part in a new study investigating how age-related changes in attention may affect driving performance.
The trial is part of the MAIC/UniSC Road Safety Research Collaboration’s broader program to develop a standardised screening tool for assessing cognitive fitness to drive.
PhD candidate Samantha Ellis explained the project will examine how brain activity relates to safe driving. “Our ability to focus on the road is fundamental to safe driving,” she said. “As we age, changes in attention are natural, but it’s important to understand how they may impact performance behind the wheel.”
Eligible participants will complete computerised attention tasks while their brain activity is measured using EEG technology, followed by simulated driving activities. Results will be compared to a control group of younger drivers aged under 30 with at least three years’ driving experience.
“Unlike standard cognitive tests, EEG allows us to measure attention in real time,” Ms Ellis said.
Senior Research Fellow Dr Kayla Stefanidis said the findings could help GPs and health professionals make more accurate assessments. “We want to keep safe older drivers on the road for as long as possible,” she said.
UniSC is now seeking participants aged 60–90 who can attend a single appointment at its Sippy Downs campus. To learn more, visit unisc.edu.au/research/healthy-people or email ADS@usc.edu.au.