Citation

Freund B, Colgrove LA, Petrakos D, McLeod R. Accid. Anal. Prev. 2008; 40(1): 403-409.

Affiliation

The Glennan Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, 825 Fairfax Avenue, Norfolk, VA, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.aap.2007.07.012

PMID

18215575

Abstract

PURPOSE: To assess to what extent specific cognitive functions contribute to pedal errors among older drivers. METHODS: 180 subjects aged 65 and older completed a 30min driving evaluation on a simulator as well as three cognitive tests, the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE), the Clock Drawing Test, and Trailmaking Part A and B. Analyses based on logistic regressions were performed using age, gender, MMSE, Trailmaking Part A and B, and Clock Drawing Test as independent variables. RESULTS: Results indicate that Clock Drawing is the best predictor of pedal errors (odds ratio=10.04, p<.0001, 95% CI: 3.80, 26.63) followed by age >/=84 (odds ratio 6.10, p<.05, 95% CI: 1.77, 21.03). In contrast, Trailmaking Part A and B, gender, and the MMSE were not significantly related to pedal errors. CONCLUSION: Executive dysfunction may be an important contributor to pedal errors and thus unsafe driving. Practitioners may wish to consider measures of executive function when evaluating patients for driving safety.

Language: en