Simulated Driving Errors: Indicators of Real-World Driving Events in Returning Combat Veterans

Abstract

Motor vehicle crashes is a leading cause of death for Veterans. We quantified the efficacy of an Occupational Therapy Driving Intervention (OT-DI) and a Traffic Safety Education (TSE) intervention on real-world driving in combat Veterans. Via a randomized trial, we assessed 42 Veterans’ fitness-to-drive abilities using a CDS-250 driving simulator and driving records, to determine differences in simulated driving and real-world events pre- and post-interventions. The OT-DI group (vs. TSE) had fewer over-speeding errors ( p < .001) and total number of driving errors ( p = .002) post-intervention. At Post-Test 2, the OT-DI (vs. TSE) had a reduction in real-world speeding ( p = .05). While statistically not significant, both interventions showed reductions in real-world speeding, number of violations (OT-DI: 23% and TSE: 46% decrease) and crashes (OT-DI: 25% and TSE: 50% decrease). Veterans showed early evidence of efficacy in improving their real-world fitness-to-drive abilities via an OT-DI and TSE intervention.

Promoting Veteran-Centric Transportation Options through Exposure to Autonomous Shuttles

“…In urban settings, the stresses of heavy traffic and crowded environments can trigger or exacerbate these symptoms [8]. Additionally, a significant portion of urban Veterans cannot operate vehicles due to multiple comorbidities, which make navigating city streets a complex and potentially hazardous endeavor [9,10]. Moreover, combat Veterans frequently encounter challenges in the post-deployment phase as they strive to readapt to civilian driving [11].…”

“…Moreover, combat Veterans frequently encounter challenges in the post-deployment phase as they strive to readapt to civilian driving [11]. This is attributed to the battle-mind tactics acquired during combat, which can intensify their situational awareness to a degree where engaging in urban driving could potentially evoke defensive reactions [8][9][10]. These responses, in turn, may jeopardize not only their own safety but also that of other individuals on the road.…”

“…Technology-based interventions, such as deploying the AS as a mode of community mobility, may be considered as a future option for Veterans, especially among those who do not want to drive, cannot drive any longer, or should not be driving [9]. These autonomous shuttles are being deployed throughout the world, and this study is one of the first to identify the perceptions of Veterans pertaining to accepting and potentially adopting these technologies.…”

Promoting Veteran-Centric Transportation Options through Exposure to Autonomous Shuttles

“…A subset of urban Veterans opts not to drive due to the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which can be triggered by the stresses of urban traffic and crowded environments [7][8][9]. Additionally, a significant portion of urban Veterans cannot operate vehicles due to multiple comorbidities, which make navigating city streets a complex and potentially hazardous endeavor [10,11]. Moreover, combat Veterans frequently encounter challenges in the post-deployment phase as they strive to readapt to civilian driving [12].…”

“…Technology-based interventions, such as deploying the AS as a mode of community mobility, may be considered as a future option for Veterans, especially among those who do not want to drive, cannot drive any longer, or should not be driving [10,41]. These autonomous shuttles are being deployed throughout the world, this study is one of the first to identify the perceptions of Veterans pertaining to accepting and potentially adopting these technologies.…”