Age-related decrements in cognitive and physical functioning increase the prevalence of medical conditions and age-related medical conditions and increased use of multiple medications. With age, the likelihood that people will take one or more potentially driver-impairing medications increases.
Pharmaceutical firms engage in extensive research into the side effects of a particular drug or drug combination. Researchers as well as clinicians need to consider the patient's driving habits and the driving impairment associated with a particular drug prior to prescribing drugs such as
antihistamines, benzodiazepines and narcotic analgesics.
Research into driving under the influence of drugs – prescribed or used illegally or inappropriately – is begin to gain interest from various private, medical and governmental agencies. Drugged driving is a growing problem. Researchers are beginning to take an active interest into the effects of drugs/medications and combinations on crash risk and crash involvement. There is evidence that the same medications that may cause a person to fall may also contribute to a car crash risks.
A driving simulator will provide the researcher with a greater understanding of polypharmacy and the driving function. It can provide insight into the most feasible and reliable means of measuring and monitoring drug or medication usage, both prescription and over-the-counter drugs. There is special interest with older drivers.
Researchers can leverage the simulator by having research participant bring all of her medications to a non-threatening location to be inventoried by an appropriate professional (brown bag method). The participant can be placed in safe confines of the driving simulator and be tested as to driving abilities, behavior, reaction time, etc.
Information about driving functioning can be obtained through direct measurements of performance. Whereas behind the wheel is an option, a driving simulator provides a safer, repeatable and controlled environment. Often times a combination of simulator and on-road experience may prove more beneficial. The researcher is able to measure the effects of medications on driving performance
There is evidence that many people, especially older drivers, are more than willing to participate in scientific studies in which their participation can help improve driving safety, even if it requires them to have their driving performance evaluated and to divulge information about the drugs they are taking. Find out more…
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