Driving simulator being produced for elderly drivers

The Intelligent Transport Team (ITT) at Newcastle University is researching a sat-nav that would eventually help older drivers.



The programme is called 'DriveLAB'. The software is able to monitor and calculate the key stress points for older drivers.

Currently 20 drivers in their 80s are testing out the car that ITT has equipped with the software. It functions as a simulator, but manufacturers are open to incorporating ITT's findings.

Phil Blythe, professor of ITT, told BBC News: "We all have to accept that as we get older our reactions slow down and this often results in people avoiding any potentially challenging driving conditions and losing confidence in their driving skills. The result is that people stop driving before they really need to.

"What we are doing is to look at ways of keeping people driving safely for longer, which in turn boosts independence and keeps us socially connected."

Age UK charity director Michelle Mitchell agreed, adding: "Ability, not age, should determine how safe someone is on the road."