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Classifying Cognitive Decline in Older Drivers from Behavior on Adverse Roads Detected Using Computer Vision
Md Zahid Hasan1, Guillermo Basulto-Elias1, Shauna Hallmark1
1Institute for Transportation, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA.
Journal of Transportation Technologies
|April 10, 2026
Summary
Older drivers, especially those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), drive slower in adverse weather. Driving behavior varies significantly across age groups, with the oldest drivers exhibiting the most variability and slowest speeds.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Traffic Safety
- Cognitive Neuroscience
Background:
- Aging is associated with changes in visual and cognitive functions, impacting driving abilities.
- Inclement weather and reduced visibility pose significant challenges for older drivers.
- Cognitive decline can further exacerbate difficulties faced by older adults while driving.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the differential effects of weather conditions on the driving behavior of older drivers with and without cognitive impairment.
- To identify how cognitive status and weather interact to influence driving speed compliance in older adults.
- To analyze age-related differences in driving behavior under various weather conditions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from a naturalistic driving study involving older drivers in Omaha, Nebraska.
- Extracted driver speed and road weather data to assess speed compliance as a safety surrogate.
- Employed beta regression to model the percentage of time drivers spent below the speed limit, considering mild cognitive impairment (MCI), age group, traffic density, and weather.
Main Results:
- Older drivers generally drove slower in adverse weather conditions compared to clear weather.
- The oldest age group ('old-old') showed the most variability and highest likelihood of driving at impeding speeds.
- Drivers with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) exhibited distinct driving patterns compared to those with normal cognition, particularly under adverse weather.
Conclusions:
- Weather conditions significantly impact the driving behavior of older adults, influencing their speed compliance.
- Cognitive status, specifically mild cognitive impairment (MCI), plays a crucial role in how older drivers respond to environmental challenges like adverse weather.
- Driving behavior and risk associated with weather conditions are not uniform across all older drivers and are influenced by age and cognitive function.
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