Visual and Cognitive Predictors of Performance on Brake Reaction Test: Salisbury Eye Evaluation Driving Study

This article reports on a study of visual and cognitive predictors of performance on a brake reaction test in a population sample of 1,425 older drivers. The authors define brake reaction speed (BRS) as the speed with which persons react to a sudden change in driving conditions. The Maryland Department of Motor Vehicles roster of persons aged 67–87 and residing in Salisbury, MD, was used for recruitment of the study population. Participants were tested for habitual, binocular visual acuity using ETDRS charts, contrast sensitivity using a Pelli-Robson chart, visual fields with a 81-point screening Humphrey field at a single intensity threshold, and a questionnaire to ascertain medical conditions. Cognitive status was also assessed. BRS was assessed using a computer-driven device that measured the driver's initial reaction speed (IRS) (the time from light change to red until removing foot from accelerator) and physical response speed (PRS) (the time from removing foot from accelerator to full brake depression). The results found a median brake reaction time that varied from 384 to 5688 milliseconds. Decrease in IRS was associated with low scores on cognitive factors and missing points on the visual field. A decrease in PRS was associated with having three or more physical complaints related to legs and feet, and poorer vision search. Vision was not related to PRS. The authors conclude by emphasizing the importance of separating the two tasks required for brake reaction; only the IRS depends on vision. Persons in good physical condition may perform poorly on brake reaction tests if their vision or cognition is compromised.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/09286586
• Authors:
  • Zhang, Lei
  • Baldwin, Kevin
  • Munoz, Beatriz
  • Munro, Cynthia
  • Turano, Kathleen A
  • Hassan, Shirin
  • Lyketsos, Constantine
  • Bandeen-Roche, Karen
  • West, Sheila K
• Publication Date: 2007-7

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 216-222
• Serial:
  • Ophthalmic Epidemiology
  • Volume: 14
  • Issue Number: 4
  • Publisher: Taylor & Francis
  • ISSN: 0928-6586
  • EISSN: 1744-5086

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aged drivers; Attention; Attention lapses; Braking; Cognition; Cognitive impairment; Highway safety; Physical disabilities; Physical phenomena; Reaction time; Vision disorders
• Geographic Terms: Maryland
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01115627
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 29 2008 8:06AM