Visual Attention and Older Drivers: The Contribution of Inhibition of Return to Safe Driving

Increasing data suggest that visual attention may be impaired in some older drivers, and that such impairment may be related to poorer driving abilities and a higher crash risk. Because effective scanning of the environment is important for safe driving, the authors sought to examine the relationship between a reflexive visual attention mechanism and driving. To examine this issue the authors conducted a preliminary study using the inhibition of return (IOR) paradigm, which has been labeled as a fundamental search mechanism. Forty-one drivers aged 55 and over completed two on-road driving evaluations and IOR testing. After accounting for the contribution of age, IOR statistically predicted overall driving evaluation scores (p = .045), and the number of errors in scanning the environment (p = .031). To the authors' knowledge these findings represent the first documentation of a relationship between IOR and driving. The results are informative regarding the importance of reflexive visual attention mechanisms towards safe driving.

The authors extend their sincerest thanks to Mr. Terry Willie from Young Drivers of Canada (Thunder Bay) and Ivy Isherwood from the Thunder Bay Council on Positive Aging for their involvement in this project. This study would not have been possible without the enthusiasm of the participants and funding provided by the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation; the results and conclusions are those of the authors. Michel Bédard is a Canada Research Chair in Aging and Health (www.chairs.gc.ca); he acknowledges the support of the Program. Additional funding for this research was provided through a Premier's Research Excellence Award and a research grant from AUTO21 received by Michel Bédard, and through a NSERC Discovery Grant held by Jim McAuliffe.

Notes

*Error data (lower is better).

*Error data (lower is better).