Members of the SENSE-APP team attended the annual Bruyère Health Research Day on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
Research Day is an in-person conference showcasing research across the Bruyère Health Research Institute. The event brings together emerging and established researchers, trainees, and healthcare professionals from various disciplines to share ideas, connect, and learn about ongoing work aimed at supporting health care.
Poster Presentation & Research Highlights
First author Dr. Kathleen Van Benthem, along with co-authors Bruce Wallace and Lindsay McCauley in attendance, presented a poster titled “Profiles of Mature Drivers and Their Trust in Telematics-Based Safety Technologies.”
Dr. Kathleen Van Benthem (right) and Lindsay McCauley (left) at Bruyère Health Research Day.
The poster shared insights from a national survey examining how mature drivers view driving safety feedback systems, privacy, and technology adoption:
- Driver Profiles: Using Gaussian mixture modelling on data from licensed Canadian drivers aged 55 to 98 (n=384), the study observed three distinct groups based on tech acceptance and privacy attitudes: Tech Engaged (44.2%), Cautious (31.8%), and Reluctant (24.1%).
- Adoption Factors: While over 65% of participants currently use in-vehicle safety features, adoption of new app-based monitoring relies heavily on ease of use, robust privacy protections, and proven system accuracy.
- Feedback Preferences: Drivers preferred customized, on-demand or monthly summaries delivered via apps or email, valuing features such as historical trends and personalized safety insights.
- Clinical & Practical Implications: The findings suggest that driver preferences are not one-size-fits-all. Understanding these differing profiles can help clinicians and researchers better tailor conversations and tools to support driver autonomy and safe mobility.
The team was grateful for the chance to contribute to the event, learn from fellow attendees, and continue exploring age-inclusive approaches to technology and safety.
Learn More About Our Research
The SENSE-APP team’s work builds on the Advanced Cognitive Engineering (ACE) Laboratory’s broader research in driver behaviour, road safety, and human factors. Visit the Advanced Cognitive Engineering (ACE) Lab website to learn more about our driving research and ongoing projects.