VISION ASSESSMENT TECHNOLOGY AND SCREENING OLDER DRIVERS: PAST PRACTICES AND EMERGING TECHNIQUES

Three topics related to the visual screening of motor vehicle operators are reviewed. First, procedures used to test driver vision in the United States are examined. The most frequently assessed visual functions and the technology typically used to test these functions are summarized. The second area of inquiry is research efforts to develop a "scientifically valid" technology for testing driver visual function. Coverage is given to the U.S. Department of Transportation's research initiatives, which led to the development of the MARK I and MARK II series of integrated devices for testing driver vision. The third, and major, topic covered in this paper is the description and evaluation of emergent technologies that could affect future developments in mass visual screening programs. This review is focused on recent advances in psychophysical data collection procedures as well as advances in visual imaging hardware and clinical testing devices. Finally, recommendations for implementation of new assessment approaches and critical research needs for driver vision testing are summarized. Throughout the paper, special emphasis is placed on the interactive influence of human aging and technology and its applications. Future research should include studies to quantify the effectiveness of contrast sensitivity techniques and low-contrast acuity testing for improving the mobility and productivity of the older driver population. In addition, standardized procedures for collecting and scoring contrast sensitivity function (CSF) data need to be developed. The costs and benefits of CSF procedures and low-contrast acuity tests need to be carefully examined. The potential for employing a glare stressor needs to be explored. Automated administration of existing vision and driving knowledge and information tests should be explored, and mandatory periodic retesting of older drivers should be initiated by all driver-licensing agencies. The feasibility and desirability of cognitive competence screening of driver's license and renewal applicants also need to be studied.

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• Supplemental Notes:
  • This paper appears in Transportation Research Board Special Report No. 218, Transportation in an Aging Society: Improving Mobility and Safety for Older Persons, Volume 2 - Technical Papers.
• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Research Board

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• Authors:
  • Schieber, Frank
• Publication Date: 1988

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: pp 325-378
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Board Special Report
  • Issue Number: 218
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0360-859X

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aged drivers; Automation; Driver licensing; Drivers; Future; Psychophysics; Recommendations; Research; Scientific method; Technological innovations; Technology; Vision; Vision tests
• Uncontrolled Terms: Future research
• Old TRIS Terms: Contrast sensitivity function; Driver vision; Integrated vision testers; Mandatory vision testing; Psychophysical methods; Vision screening
• Subject Areas: Highways; Planning and Forecasting; Research; Safety and Human Factors; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00489620
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 0-309-04664-5
• Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Nov 30 1989 12:00AM