How Different Traffic Facilities Affect Cognitive Response Risk of Elderly Drivers at Intersections? An Evaluation Using the Coupled Coordination Model

Abstract

Age-appropriate services, such as optimizing traffic facilities, have garnered significant interest because of the increasing age of drivers on the road. This study explores differences in cognitive abilities and driving performance between elderly drivers (EDs) and young and middle-aged drivers (Y & MDs) across different transport facilities, and quantitatively assesses the traffic risks of drivers’ driving behaviors under different traffic conditions based on a coupling coordination degree model. Specifically, this study focuses on intersections as the typical scenario to collect data on cognitive abilities and driving behavior from 17 EDs and 19 Y & MDs. First, statistical analytic techniques are employed to investigate the differences in driving performance between EDs and Y & MDs. Second, a model utilizing entropy-weight and coupling coordination degree is developed to assess traffic risk based on cognition, risk awareness, behavior control, and operational status under diverse traffic conditions. The findings indicate that the cognitive abilities of EDs often decline, contributing to traffic risk. Therefore, behavior control and operational status are key factors to consider in optimizing traffic facilities at yield signs, stop signs, and signal intersections. In addition, EDs face heightened traffic risk, specifically at signal intersections. With a comprehensive understanding of the cognitive and driving behavioral processes of EDs across different traffic facilities, the findings can yield crucial support for optimizing age-appropriate traffic facilities.