Developing a Driving Simulator Based Functional Object Detection Task

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to validate a driving simulator-based tool for assessing functional visual scanning while driving (Goodenough, 2010) by replicating a previous study and assessing whether the results of the task are moderated by strategic decisions regarding task prioritization. Participants completed a functional object detection task that includes a peripheral target detection task and a central braking response task. Results indicated that the simulator task can identify differences in older and younger participants' abilities to functionally scan the driving environment and these differences appear unaffected by prioritizing either the scanning or braking task. Implications are discussed.

Interactive Tools for Measuring Visual Scanning Performance and Reaction Time

“…With minimal training needed, occupational therapists may find VISION COACH useful for a range of clinical applications, including physical, cognitive, visual, and fine motor modalities. In addition, driving simulatorgenerated tasks that measure Functional Object Detection © (FOD; Drive Safety, Inc.; Salt Lake City, UT) and reaction time (Goodenough, Brooks, Crisler, & Logan, 2010;Goodenough, Brooks, Crisler, & Rosopa, 2012) offer occupational therapists supplemental therapy methods that use a DriveSafety CDS driving simulator (see http://www.drivesafety.com). Using the FOD tasks with clients in a driving simulator allows therapists to identify specific deficits in visual scanning ability, inattention, awareness, and physical functioning (i.e., trunk control) while offering a realistic training environment.…”