The purpose of this study was to provide an overview of vision abilities that are important for safe driving. Knowledge of measurability of vision and its impact on driving have proven to be important to secure a safe traffic system. Several different approaches to measure vision in order to improve road safety have been identified around the world. A trend seen is that the traditional vision tests more and more are supplemented by cognitive tests. The purpose of this study was to provide an overview of vision abilities that are important for safe driving. The study answered questions about vision abilities that are essential for safe driving, which tests are available and how they are used, and the existing evidence for these tests. In total 128 scientific publications were included in the overview. The results provide an overview of international standards of vision required for driving a car. Furthermore, the results were presented according to different vision abilities which are described along with an account of diseases that may affect the ability, which tests that are available and the evidence for these, and how the ability is important for safe driving. Two tests were highlighted based on the strong support found in the literature and these were (1) contrast sensitivity, and (2) Useful Field of View. Based on the results it was concluded that testing of vision should consist of several complementary tests, the most common measure, visual acuity that is, is not sufficient for safe driving, and that tests that includes cognitive aspects can improve the assessment of vision related to safe driving. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting