Comparing useful field of view between elderly and Young Japanese Drivers for safety considerations

Elderly drivers are at increased risk of road crashes because of visual limitations. We compared the useful field of view between elderly and young Japanese drivers. Participants included 10 young drivers (21-32 y, 23.3 + 3.33), and 2 groups of elderly drivers. Elderly group 1 consisted of 11 persons (60-65 y, 61.9 + 1.70) and elderly group 2 consisted of 14 persons (66-76 y, 69.5 + 3.01). We assessed visual acuity and response to peripheral stimuli placed within the useful field of view (UFOV). Elderly group 1 drivers had a significantly longer UFOV response time than young drivers did. Significantly longer response times, relative to stimuli shape, were found for elderly group 2 ( > 65 y). Time to response for stimuli within the upper peripheral view took longer when stimuli appearance was more than 60° (middle) of the peripheral diameter. It is better to avoid signs with slanted lines, located in the upper periphery. This delay also led to increased misjudgment at fixed eye points because the increased recognition times for peripheral objects carried over to fixed eye judgments.