The trucking industry is evolving—and so are the trucks themselves. Modern semi-trucks are now equipped with advanced digital dashboards, touchscreens, and in-vehicle information systems (IVIS) to enhance efficiency and safety.
However, for older truck drivers, these high-tech infotainment system upgrades can present unexpected challenges. Many seasoned drivers are finding it difficult to adapt to digital interfaces.
Older Semi-Truck Drivers and In-Truck Technology
According to the American Trucking Associations (ATA), the average age of truck drivers is 46 years old.¹ While truck technology can offer benefits, such as navigation assistance and real-time performance monitoring, it also introduces new challenges for older drivers.
A recent study found that older drivers experienced a significantly higher cognitive and visual workload when interacting with in-vehicle technology than younger drivers.²
The Impact on Safety
Two of the key concerns about semi-truck technology and its impact on safety include:
Difficulty in Switching Focus Between the Road and Digital Controls
Modern digital dashboards require semi-truck drivers to shift their attention from the road to touchscreens. Research indicates that older drivers have greater difficulty dividing their attention between IVIS tasks and the roadway. Sometimes, they miss up to 75% of visual cues in their driving environment while interacting with dashboard controls.² This delay in reaction time can increase the risk of accidents.
The Issue of Small Icons and Lack of Tactile Buttons
Many new trucks replace traditional knobs and switches with flat, touch-based controls. While this design may appeal to younger drivers accustomed to smartphones, it poses a problem for older drivers who rely on tactile feedback. Small icons, low-contrast screens, and the absence of physical buttons make it harder to adjust settings without taking their eyes off the road, leading to semi-truck distracted driving that compromises safety.
Possible Solutions for Older Drivers and Fleet Managers
To address these challenges, fleet managers and truck manufacturers can take several steps to make modern dashboards more user-friendly for older drivers:
- Driver Training for Senior Drivers: Hands-on practice with touchscreen controls, navigation systems, and voice-activated commands can improve confidence and reduce distractions for older drivers.
- Customizable Display Settings for Improved Readability: Trucks should offer adjustable font sizes, high-contrast screen settings, and simplified menu options to accommodate different levels of visual acuity.
- Implementing Voice Commands and Alternative Control Methods: Voice-activated systems allow semi-truck drivers to adjust settings, make calls, or find routes without taking their hands off the wheel.
- Ensuring a Mix of Physical and Digital Controls: Truck manufacturers should balance digital and physical controls, retaining essential physical buttons for frequently used functions—such as climate control and headlights—to help older drivers operate trucks more efficiently without added distractions.
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Sources:
- American Trucking Associations. ATA Releases Updated Driver Shortage Report and Forecast.
- Cooper JM, Wheatley CL, McCarty MM, et al. Age-Related Differences in the Cognitive, Visual, and Temporal Demands of In-Vehicle Information Systems. Front Psychol. 2020 Jun 3;11:1154. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01154
