One of DriveSafety’s most important partnerships is with Clemson University’s Center for Automotive Research (CUICAR) and Dr. Johnell Brooks who runs the center and frequently publishes in peer reviewed journals. Dr. Brooks’ most recent article entitled Interactive Tools for Measuring Visual Scanning Performance and Reaction Time was published in the March/April issue of The Journal of Occupational Therapy. DriveSafety simulators were used to conduct the research and are included in the study’s methodology. See the article abstract below:

Abstract

Occupational therapists are constantly searching for engaging, high-technology interactive tasks that provide immediate feedback to evaluate and train clients with visual scanning deficits. This study examined the relationship between two tools: the VISION COACH™ interactive light board and the Functional Object Detection^© (FOD) Advanced driving simulator scenario. Fifty-four healthy drivers, ages 21–66 yr, were divided into three age groups. Participants performed braking response and visual target (E) detection tasks of the FOD Advanced driving scenario, followed by two sets of three trials using the VISION COACH Full Field 60 task. Results showed no significant effect of age on FOD Advanced performance but a significant effect of age on VISION COACH performance. Correlations showed that participants’ performance on both braking and E detection tasks were significantly positively correlated with performance on the VISION COACH (.37 < r < .40, p < .01). These tools provide new options for therapists.