Seat accessories putting older motorists at risk

New research from the Transurban Road Safety Centre at Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) shows that older drivers are more at risk of injury due to the widespread use of seat cushions and pillows.

Motorists aged over 65 are nine times more likely to sustain a serious injury in a car accident “because their increased fragility makes them more susceptible to injury” says NeuRA.

According to the Joint Director of the Transurban Road Safety Centre at NeuRA, associate professor Julie Brown, seat extras such as seat back cushions -- lumbar or otherwise -- seat base support and head restraint cushions can lead to an increase in the severity of injuries in the event of a collision.

"Around a quarter of older drivers use an aftermarket accessory to improve their comfort. But these products often have not been tested for safety," said associate professor Brown.

The results come from more than 130 crash test simulations conducted by NeuRA, which opened the
Transurban Road Safety Centre in Sydney in 2017 after a $1.7 million cash injection funded primarily by Transurban, the major operator of toll roads in NSW and Victoria.

Brown explains that seat addenda alters the effectiveness of seat belts and that drivers should be made aware of the risks involved.

"The [crash test simulation] results show accessories that change the geometry of a seatbelt or the posture of a driver could increase the chance of these chest injuries in a crash," she said.

According to NeuRA's research, serious chest injuries are one of the main causes of death for older drivers. And ill-fitting seatbelts increase the risk of such injuries.

While's there's no clear remedy for older motorists who require seat accessories to drive comfortably without affecting their safety, Brown says that drivers should check if seats can be adjusted before using an accessory.

"If a driver can adjust their seat instead of sitting on a cushion or placing something behind their back, it will likely be much safer," she said.

"Our findings demonstrate the need to provide better guidance for older drivers on how to both be comfortable and safe while behind the wheel.

"Currently there is nowhere for people to go to get information about how to safely use these accessories," she added.

Transurban road safety expert Liz Waller said NeuRA's latest research into the occupant safety of older drivers is part of a bigger research project that will encompass adult and child occupant safety.

"NeuRA's a world leading research institute – especially in occupant safety – and the outcomes from this crucial project will have lasting community benefits," she said.

"Like NeuRA, we share a passion for improving road safety and are really proud of our partnership and the research it’s delivering at the Transurban Road Safety Centre."

Following the research into older drivers being at higher risk via the use of seat accessories, the next step for the Transurban Road Safety Centre will be making real-world recommendations after consulting with older drivers, clinicians and motor vehicle safety experts.