The method of assessment of fitness to drive developed and currently used by the Mobility Advice and Vehicle Information Service (MAVIS) in the UK is described. The assessment considers the ability of the driver to take in stimuli through the senses, the ability of the driver to process the information received and make decisions, and the ability of the driver to carry out the motor responses required (if necessary in an adapted vehicle). Difficulties experienced by brain-injured drivers are outlined. Ten scored exercises were developed for use on the small road system at TRL. Each exercise on the small road system assesses more than one skill and each skill is assessed on several occasions. If there is an impairment which has a significant effect on driving, a pattern or trend will be seen in the exercises. An in-traffic route is also used which starts in light traffic and builds up to some very complex traffic situations. This driving assessment route has been simulated by TRL for testing a wider range of drivers and for testing the accident proneness of drivers advised against continuing to drive in order to check the validity of the decision. The safety of adaptations made to cars for disabled people are discussed. Research on assessment of fitness to drive is reviewed briefly. For a covering abstract for this conference see ITRD E124157.
Samenvatting