Citation

Cochran LM, Dickerson AE. Can. J. Occup. Ther. 2019; 86(1): 61-69.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists)

DOI

10.1177/0008417419831390

PMID

30836790

Abstract

BACKGROUND.: Route navigation is a high-level skill and requires intact executive functioning to successfully find one's way while driving in unfamiliar environments.

PURPOSE.: Driving performances were compared while navigating using electronic devices and printed directions on unfamiliar driving routes as well as in an interactive driving simulator.

METHOD.: Twenty-four participants drove two on-road routes using GPS and printed directions, and navigated using printed directions in the simulator, using a point system to evaluate performance. The two unfamiliar routes, order of simulator and on-road driving, and use of GPS and printed directions were counterbalanced. Paired t test were used to compare both GPS versus printed directions and performance between on-road driving and the simulator.

FINDINGS.: Participants' performance using GPS on the road was significantly better than with printed directions. There was no significant difference between performance in the simulator and on the road. IMPLICATIONS.: Using GPS may be an effective strategy for improving safety. Using a driving simulator may be an efficient means of evaluating the strategic level of driving, executive function, and readiness to drive.

Language: en

Keywords

Conduite automobile; Driving; Global positioning system; Interactive driving simulator; Navigation; Orientation; Simulateur de conduite interactif; Système de positionnement global; Wayfinding