Research car will help develop technologies for older drivers

According to a statement, the intelligent transport team at Newcastle University has converted an electric car into a mobile laboratory that can monitor a driver’s concentration, stress levels and driving habits.

Dubbed ‘DriveLAB’, the car is kitted out with tracking systems, eye trackers and bio-monitors in an effort to understand the challenges faced by older drivers and to identify where the key stress points are.

Research shows that giving up driving is one of the key factors responsible for a fall in health and wellbeing among older people, leading to them becoming more isolated and inactive.


Led by Prof Phil Blythe, the Newcastle team is investigating in-vehicle technologies for older drivers that it hopes could help them to continue driving into later life.


These include bespoke navigation tools, night-vision systems and intelligent speed adaptations.


Blythe, professor of intelligent transport systems at Newcastle University, said: ‘For many older people, particularly those living alone or in rural areas, driving is essential for maintaining their independence, giving them the freedom to get out and about without having to rely on others.