A STUDY ON ELDERLY DRIVING INTENTIONS AND LICENSES CONSIDERING THE ADVENT OF AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE TECHNOLOGIES

Abstract

Regarding the aging of driver’s license holders, Japan plans to introduce a limited driver’s license that restricts driving a specific vehicle commonly known as “Safety Support Car.” In this study, various types of limited licenses were presented to elderly drivers, and they were asked about future driving intentions. The survey was conducted in two ways: a questionnaire distribution method and an interview method called “Driving History Interview” (DHI). Both methods included questions asking them to review their driving behavior and to consider the future situation related to driving. In addition, in the DHI method, the survey was conducted interactively, and information about “Safety Support Car” and the current situation of accidents among the elderly was provided. The results showed that the intention to continue driving changed before and after the survey, and that the change differed depending on the survey method. Furthermore, the logit model was used to clarify the factors of the intention to drive. Finally, we discussed the relationship between the roles of cars, people, and the road infrastructure in the process leading to fully automated driving.