Driving while navigating: On-road driving performance using GPS or printed instructions.

Driving while navigating: On-road driving performance using GPS or printed instructions.
Can J Occup Ther. 2019 Mar 05;:8417419831390
Authors: Cochran LM, Dickerson AE
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.
PMID: 308367...

Source: Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy - March 4, 2019 Category: Occupational Health Authors: Cochran LM, Dickerson AE Tags: Can J Occup Ther Source Type: research