Released 27/08/2019
The ACT Government is supporting an investigation into how automated cars can help older Canberrans maintain their independence and health for longer.
The collaboration between a Canberra-based company Seeing Machines and the University of Canberra will build on the success of CANdrive’s ACT Government-funded automated vehicle trial on driver behaviour.
As technology continues to advance, we want to better understand what driverless cars will mean for Canberra. The ACT Government is supporting research and trials to establish how they can be adopted in a way that is safe and beneficial.
This latest study is receiving a $75,000 ACT Government grant and will help determine the effectiveness of automated cars while testing driver awareness of older people.
Seeing Machines is a Canberra success story and I’m excited to provide this new funding, which will help create local jobs in advanced technology.
The study includes semi-automated driving sessions at Sutton Rd Driving Training Track, along with instruction session for the vehicles and interviews with participants.
Twenty-three drivers in their 70s have volunteered for the research study, which will run until October in collaboration with the Council on the Ageing (COTA ACT).
The ACT Government is committed to making Canberra an inclusive city. Automated vehicles have the potential to increase mobility for people who would otherwise be unable to drive or may be at increased crash risk and help keep them connected with their family and local community.
We are also supporting a complementary study by the University of Newcastle using a driving simulator to safely explore the impact of more extreme drive distractions.
University of Canberra researchers Distinguished Professor Diane Gibson and Associate Professor Dr Stephen Isbel said the study could inform a revolutionary approach to driving practises for older people in the future.
“The University of Canberra is focused on real-life, practical solutions for integrating technology with our society for better health of our community,” said Associate Professor Isbel.
“The loss of a drivers’ license can diminish the ability of older adults to develop or maintain social capital which leads to poor health and well-being.”
Dr Mike Lenné, SVP Fleet and Human Factors at Seeing Machines said: “Further to supporting mobility for older drivers, it is very important for us to capture the attentional strategies of drivers of all age to inform our technology solutions.”
About Seeing Machines
Seeing Machines is a Canberra company which develops driver monitoring technology that improves safety across transport sectors including automotive, commercial fleet and aviation. This technology directly addresses the increased risks of driver distraction as vehicles become more automated. It is being recognised worldwide as a key safety feature with regulatory and safety bodies set to mandate driver monitoring technology for cars, vans trucks and buses from 2022.
The results of this latest study will be published in October 2019.
- Statement ends -
Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases
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