Predicting On-Road Driving Performance and Safety in Cognitively Impaired Older Adults.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the ability to predict on-road driving in cognitively impaired older drivers.


METHODS
Cross-sectional observational study.


METHODS
Laboratory tests and on-road assessment.


METHODS
Drivers with cognitive impairment (Mini-Mental State Examination score < 26, N = 43, mean age 74).


METHODS
The Roadwise Review, a hazard perception test (HPT), several vision tests, and a standardized 18-km driving assessment.


RESULTS
The best prediction of passing or failing the on-road test was a combination of the HPT, leg strength, visual acuity, visual search and working memory, and number of medications taken (Nagelkerke coefficient of determination = 0.40). The sensitivity of the model was 71%, and the specificity was 75%.


CONCLUSIONS
Further research is required to determine how these tests may be used or combined with other data (e.g., medical history) to assess fitness to drive of cognitively impaired older drivers.
Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Rachel W
RW
Jones Ross
Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Charles T
CT
Scialfa
Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Sheila T D
ST
Cordazzo
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001334:Automobile Driving; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
cognitive impairment; driving; hazard perception; roadwise review