Active training and driving-specific feedback improve older drivers' visual search prior to lane changes

Abstract

BackgroundDriving retraining classes may offer an opportunity to attenuate some effects of aging that may alter driving skills. Unfortunately, there is evidence that classroom programs (driving refresher courses) do not improve the driving performance of older drivers. The aim of the current study was to evaluate if simulator training sessions with video-based feedback can modify visual search behaviors of older drivers while changing lanes in urban driving.MethodsIn order to evaluate the effectiveness of the video-based feedback training, 10 older drivers who received a driving refresher course and feedback about their driving performance were tested with an on-road standardized evaluation before and after participating to a simulator training program (Feedback group). Their results were compared to a Control group (12 older drivers) who received the same refresher course and in-simulator active practice as the Feedback group without receiving driving-specific feedback.ResultsAfter attending the training program, the Control group showed no increase in the frequency of the visual inspection of three regions of interests (rear view and left side mirrors, and blind spot). In contrast, for the Feedback group, combining active training and driving-specific feedbacks increased the frequency of blind spot inspection by 100% (32.3 to 64.9% of verification before changing lanes).ConclusionsThese results suggest that simulator training combined with driving-specific feedbacks helped older drivers to improve their visual inspection strategies, and that in-simulator training transferred positively to on-road driving. In order to be effective, it is claimed that driving programs should include active practice sessions with driving-specific feedbacks. Simulators offer a unique environment for developing such programs adapted to older drivers' needs.

Effectiveness of two cognitive training programs on the performance of older drivers with a cognitive self-assessment bias

“…However, this significant interaction reflected a Bregression to the mean^and appeared to be due to a significant difference between the CT and CT + DS groups at baseline. Nevertheless, this result went against literature findings indicating gains in visual checking strategies, lane changing and indicator use after driving simulator training [40,42]. Contrary to our hypothesis, the driving simulator experience did not allow the transfer of training benefits to the road: participants who drove on the simulator did not perform better on the road than those who only completed the cognitive training program.…”

“…Contrary to our hypothesis, the driving simulator experience did not allow the transfer of training benefits to the road: participants who drove on the simulator did not perform better on the road than those who only completed the cognitive training program. This finding contrasts with that of Lavallière and colleagues who showed an on-road transfer (improvement of the visual scanning during lane changing) of their driving simulator training [40]. Although the duration of the driving simulator experience in the present study was the same as in Lavallière and colleagues' study, its content may have been too varied (i.e.…”

“…Educational interventions associated with practical driving training (performed on-road or with a driving simulator) improve older drivers' knowledge of traffic rules and road safety [39,41], and also reveal transfer to on-road driving of skills acquired on a simulator (i.e. increased visual inspections in mirrors and blind spots before lane changing) [40]. Several studies have also investigated the benefits of cognitive training programs in terms of older drivers' driving performances.…”

“…Various interventions have been developed to help older drivers to self-regulate their driving behavior and thus maintain safe driving, such as self-assessment questionnaires and self-screening tools [26][27][28][29][30][31], educational interventions associated or not with practical driving training [32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41], and cognitive training programs [42][43][44][45][46][47][48]. Self-assessment questionnaires of cognitive, physical and sensory driving-related abilities and self-screening tools of driving-related difficulties have helped older drivers to i) become aware of age-related changes that could affect their driving, ii) initiate discussion with family on driving cessation, and iii) self-regulate their driving behavior [26][27][28][29][30][31].…”

Adaptation to simulator sickness in older drivers following multiple sessions in a driving simulator

“…Recently, we had older drivers who participated in a 5-session learning study in a fixed base simulator 29 . After every session, participants completed the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) 30 and a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) to evaluate if they felt any simulator sickness symptom.…”