Impact of cognitive distraction on driving performance and safety in older adults: A cluster analysis of age, gender, and functional mobility

Any activity that diverts a driver's attention during vehicle operation may compromise driving performance and road safety. This study aimed to analyze the effect of conversational distraction on driving performance, examine the association of age and gender with braking time, and identify driver profiles potentially associated with increased traffic vulnerability. A total of 101 drivers participated: 51 older adults (mean age: 69.5 ± 5.9 years) and 50 younger adults (mean age: 33.4 ± 8.8 years). Driving performance was assessed using a simulator, with braking time and driving speed as primary outcomes. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and mobility and balance were assessed using the Timed-Up and Go Test (TUGT), both with and without a cognitive task. Older adults exhibited significantly longer braking times compared to younger adults (p = 0.046). However, they also demonstrated lower driving speeds, both with distraction (p = 0.01) and without distraction (p = 0.003). Conversation did not increase braking time but reduced speed in older adults (p = 0.01), suggesting a compensatory driving strategy. Women, regardless of age group, showed significantly longer braking times both with (p < 0.001) and without distraction (p = 0.03). Cluster analysis identified two groups: Cluster 1 (n = 64, 63%) and Cluster 2 (n = 37, 37%). Cluster 2, characterized by a higher proportion of older adults, lower education levels, slower TUGT performance, longer braking times, and reduced driving speeds, accounted for 24.7% of the variance explained by the multivariate clustering solution. Age and female sex were associated with longer braking times. Although conversation did not increase braking time, it reduced speed among older adults, suggesting a compensatory strategy. Drivers who were older, less educated, and presented reduced functional mobility exhibited a performance profile associated with increased vulnerability in traffic contexts.

Descrição

The author, Guilherme Furtado, acknowledges the national funding from FCT - Foundation for Science and Technology, through the institutional scientific employment program (CEECINST/00077/2021) and FCT—Fundaçao ˜ para a Ciˆencia e a Tecnologia—Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P. (Portugal), within the scope of SPRINT - Sport Physical Activity and Health Research & Innovation Center [UID/6185/2023] for the support.”

Palavras-chave

Reaction time Aging Distracted driving Sex diferences Road safety Lifelong driving

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.11/10852

Citação

AYAMA, Sérgio [et al.] (2026) - Impact of cognitive distraction on driving performance and safety in older adults: A cluster analysis of age, gender, and functional mobility. Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour. 120, 103613. DOI: 10.1016/j.trf.2026.103613

Editora

Elsevier

DOI

10.1016/j.trf.2026.103613

Coleções

IPCB - CIÊNCIA VITAE

Licença CC

cclicense-by

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