[Aging and psychological assessment of motor vehicle driving capability].
BACKGROUND
The aim of the present project was to determine: (a) at what age the psychomotor functions begin to decline, which would justify routine testing to assess them, and (b) at what level the declining psychomotor functions can be recognized as a contraindication against driving motor vehicles.


METHODS
The subjects were 186 motor vehicle drivers, aged 26-64 years. The parameters examined included eye-hand coordination and reaction time.


RESULTS
The analysis of the results revealed that a significantly decreased level of psychomotor function could be noted at the age of 45 years.


CONCLUSIONS
It was assumed that the results of psychological tests performed by persons with 0.05% BAC can be the empirical criterion for a decline that would significantly impair the driver's work capability. The findings of our study made it possible to develop a proposal for modifying the testing procedure and the principles of certifying work capability of motor vehicle drivers.
Waszkowska
Małgorzata
M
Zakładu Psychologii Pracy, Instytutu Medycyny Pracy im. prof. J. Nofera w Lodzi. waszko@imp.lodz.pl
Dudek
Bohdan
B
D000367:Age Factors; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010465:Perception; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D011930:Reaction Time