The Relation Between Visual Attention And Specific Measures Of Driving In Older Drivers

Abstract

Given the increase of older drivers, their higher crash rates, and the importance of mobility for health, research aimed at keeping elderly people in their car as safe drivers for as long as possible is important. The goal of this study was to investigate the underlying cognitive mechanisms of driving in a group of elderly drivers. More specifically, given its important role in driving, the cognitive mechanism of visual attention was investigated. Twenty-five drivers participated in the study. Each participant completed two 14.5km-rides in a driving simulator; one without and one with visual distraction. Measures of driving that are problematic for elderly drivers were selected: turning left and giving way at an intersection, responding to signs and road hazards, and distraction. Common measures of driving (SDLP,speed,collisions) were added. Subtests of the useful field of view (UFOV) and the attention network test(ANT), served as measures of attention. Rather than summarizing driving ability into one score, the authors were interested in how the separate driving measures were related to separate measures of attention. A number of interesting relations were found of processing speed, selective attention and attentional orienting capacity with turning left and gap acceptance, giving way, hazard response speed, and SDLP. As discussed, these relations can be used to guide future development of cognitive and simulator-based training interventions tailored to an individual by specifically targeting those driving functions and cognitive functions that are impaired.