The theme of the Michigan Center for Advancing Safe Transportation throughout the Lifespan (M-CASTL) is Safety and Mobility throughout the Lifespan. M-CASTL strives to advance expertise and US technology in the many disciplines comprising the safety and mobility of both young people and older adults. This is achieved through basic and applied research, and by fostering the application of transportation science and technology through education of new professionals and technology transfer to those in transportation-related fields. Both young people and older adults present unique safety and mobility challenges. The University of Michigan has established M-CASTL to increase understanding of and address—across the different dimensions of the roadway, vehicle, and driver—the risks related to the two ends of the age spectrum. Specific thrusts of the Center focus on understanding and addressing: the changing perceptual, cognitive, and psychomotor abilities of older drivers; the transportation needs of young people and older adults when they are unable or choose not to drive themselves; and the elevated crash risk of young drivers.

M-CASTL’s research, education, and technology transfer efforts draw on a number of topics within the three thrust areas:

Understanding and addressing the changing perceptual, cognitive, and psychomotor abilities of older drivers to help them maintain safe driving:

• Driver, vehicle, and roadway factors related to crash risk
• Functional abilities related to driving performance
• Screening and assessment of drivers for fitness to drive
• Effects of medical conditions and medications on driving
• Driver fatigue and distraction among older drivers
• Efficacy of education and training programs for older drivers
• Vehicle interior and exterior design issues
• Design and use of Intelligent Transportation Systems technologies
• Vehicle adaptation issues
• Roadway infrastructure design elements

Understanding and addressing the transportation needs of young people and older adults when they are unable or choose not to drive themselves:

• The relationship between mobility, social support, and well being
• Available, accessible, acceptable, adaptable, and affordable transportation options
• Social consequences of cognitive deterioration and aging
• Coordination and management of complex transportation systems
• Land use patterns and livable communities
• Transport of wheelchair users and other users of mobility devices

Understanding and addressing the elevated crash risk of young drivers:

• Driver, vehicle, and roadway factors related to crash risk
• Driver training and education
• Driver drowsiness and distraction among young drivers
• Efficacy and enhancement of graduated driver licensing programs
• Vehicle interior and exterior design issues
• Design and use of Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) technologies
• Cognitive development and driving
• Risk perception and risky driving