HumanFIRST Lab Director Develops App for Older Drivers

Older drivers make up the second-highest driving-related injury and fatality rate. In an effort to mitigate risky driving behaviors among older drivers, PI Nichole Morris led research that resulted in RoadCoach —an app that provides feedback to drivers including warnings for hard braking and turning, advanced curve notifications, and speeding. The study included a field operational test with 30 older drivers in Minnesota and Kansas over a period of 12 weeks. Results showed that RoadCoach had a largely positive effect on driving performance and had high satisfaction among users. "We can change driving behavior," said Morris.

Morris is the director of ME's HumanFIRST Laboratory, which seeks to improve scientific understanding of driver performance and cognitive fundtions.