Speed-of-processing and driving simulator training result in improved driving performance.
Useful field of view, a measure of processing speed and spatial attention, can be improved with training. We evaluated the effects of this improvement on older adults' driving performance. Elderly adults participated in a speed-of-processing training program (N = 48), a traditional driver training program performed in a driving simulator (N = 22), or a low-risk reference group (N = 25). Before training, immediately after training or an equivalent time delay, and after an 18-month delay each participant was evaluated in a driving simulator and completed a 14-mile (22.5-km) open-road driving evaluation. Speed-of-processing training, but not simulator training, improved a specific measure of useful field of view (UFOV), transferred to some simulator measures, and resulted in fewer dangerous maneuvers during the driving evaluation. The simulator-trained group improved on two driving performance measures: turning into the correct lane and proper signal use. Similar effects were not observed in the speed-of-processing training or low-risk reference groups. The persistence of these effects over an 18-month test interval was also evaluated. Actual or potential applications of this research include driver assessment and/or training programs and cognitive intervention programs for older adults.
Roenker
Daniel L
DL
Department of Psychology, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101, USA. dan.roenker@wku.edu
Cissell
Gayla M
GM
Ball
Karlene K
KK
Wadley
Virginia G
VG
Edwards
Jerri D
JD
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011930:Reaction Time; D014481:United States; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000502:physiology