In-simulator training of driving abilities in a person with a traumatic brain injury

This study reports the case of a 23-year-old woman (MC) who sustained a severe traumatic brain injury in 2004, after being hit by a car as a pedestrian. After her accident, her driving license was revoked. Despite recovering normal neuropsychological functions in the following years, MC was unable to renew her license, failing four on-road evaluations assessing her fitness to drive. In hope of an eventual license renewal, MC went through an in-simulator training programme in the laboratory in 2009. The training programme aimed at improving features of MC's driving behaviour that were identified as being problematic in prior on-road evaluations. To do so, proper driving behaviour was reinforced via driving-specific feedback provided during the training sessions. After 25 sessions in the simulator (over a period of 4 months), MC significantly improved various components of her driving. Notably, compared to early sessions, later ones were associated with a reduced cognitive load, less jerky speed profiles when stopping at intersections and better vehicle control and positioning. A 1-year retention test showed most of these improvements were consistent. The learning principles underlying well conducted simulator-based education programmes have a strong scientific basis. A simulator training programme like this one represents a promising avenue for driving rehabilitation. It allows individuals without a driving license to practice and improve their skills in a safe and realistic environment.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/02699052
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Abstract reprinted with permission from Taylor and Francis.
• Authors:
  • Gamache, Pierre-Luc
  • Lavalliere, Martin
  • Tremblay, Mathieu
  • Simoneau, Martin
  • Teasdale, Normand
• Publication Date: 2011-4

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 416-425
• Serial:
  • Brain Injury
  • Volume: 25
  • Issue Number: 4
  • Publisher: Taylor & Francis
  • ISSN: 0269-9052
  • EISSN: 1362-301X
  • Serial URL: http://informahealthcare.com/journal/bij

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Abilities; Brain; Driver rehabilitation; Driver training; Driving simulators; Injuries
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor; I84: Personal Injuries;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01346517
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 5 2011 4:09PM