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UrduAs cannabidiol products — commonly known as CBD — become more readily available, West Virginia University researchers are working to gain a broader understanding of how the substance influences driving performance and whether the effects differ between men and women.
Tag: Driving
‘Fit2Drive’ Transforms Assessing Older Drivers with Cognitive Decline
With the help of an evidence-based calculator called “Fit2Drive,” researchers have made it easy to administer and evaluate an in-office test to predict an older individual’s probability of passing an on-road driving test. Based upon brief, easily administered cognitive tests, Fit2Drive provides an objective estimation of the ability to drive for those with cognitive concerns. Results show that the Fit2Drive algorithm demonstrated a strong 91.5% predictive accuracy.
Subtle cognitive decline precedes end to driving for older adults
Even slight cognitive changes can affect an older person’s decision to stop driving, according to a new study by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. The findings suggest that routine cognitive testing — in particular, the kind of screening designed to pick up the earliest, most subtle decline — could help older adults and their physicians make decisions about driving that maximizes safety while preserving independence as long as possible.
One-third of ride-share drivers have had a crash on the job, survey finds
Using a cell phone, driving while tired and driving on unfamiliar roads increased the likelihood of a crash
Study Detects Cognitive Changes in Older Drivers Using In-vehicle Sensors
Continuous, unobtrusive sensors and related monitoring devices are installed in older drivers’ vehicles to detect changes in highly complex activities over time. A driver facing camera, forward facing camera, and telematics unit provide video in real-time to enable researchers to analyze abnormal driving such as getting lost, reaction time and braking patterns as well as travel patterns such as miles driven, miles during the night and daytime, and driving in severe weather. Detecting changes in behavior could generate early warning signs of possible changes in cognition.
Daylight saving can create driver fatigue and hazards on the road, says expert
As clocks “fall back” and daylight saving time ends, many Americans will be driving longer at night which could translate to more driver fatigue and hazards on the road, says Virginia Tech Transportation Institute expert Matt Camden. Camden says that any time change can exacerbate drowsiness and your body may need a few days to adjust accordingly.
Majority of older adults with cognitive impairment still drive
The majority of older adults with cognitive impairment are still driving, despite concerns raised by caregivers and others, a study finds. Researchers say it’s best for caregivers to start conversations surrounding driving earlier while the care recipient is able to understand and actively participate in the discussion.
Distracted driving on the rise, but rather than the problem, expert says technology could be the solution
In the digital age, an increased desire for constant online connection has created safety hazards for drivers on the road. It’s especially top of mind during the month of April, which is Distracted Driver Awareness Month, but Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) researcher, Charlie Klauer says that technology can also be part of the solution.
Driving simulations that look more life-like
Today’s driving simulators have a big problem: They don’t look realistic enough, particularly background objects, such as trees, and road markings. But researchers have developed a new way to create photorealistic images for simulators, paving the way for better testing of driverless cars.Conventional computer graphics use detailed models, meshes and textures to render 2D images from 3D scenes, a labor-intensive process which produces images that often fall short of being realistic, particularly in the background.
Risky driving behaviors increase as common sleep disorder worsens
Up to half of older adults may have sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing and sleep are briefly interrupted many times a night. A new study from researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis shows that this chronic tiredness can have serious implications for road safety.
New Study Finds Hands-free Cellphone Laws Associated with Fewer Driver Deaths
A recent study led by researchers at the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital looked at drivers, non-drivers (passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists), and total deaths involved in passenger vehicle crashes from 1999 through 2016 in 50 U.S. states, along with the presence and characteristics of cellphone use laws.
Ask an Expert: Have Drivers Gotten Worse Since COVID?
As the restrictions around COVID-19 are lifted, and more and more people hit the road to return to their work spaces and routines, you may have heard a familiar refrain: “People have forgotten how to drive.” Is it true? Are drivers worse now than they were before the coronavirus pandemic took over the world? The answer, according to Dwight A. Hennessy, department chair and professor of psychology at Buffalo State College, is probably not.
Traffic fatality expert: even during pandemic, ‘past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior’
Preliminary traffic fatality data recently released by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) showed a surprising finding: while Americans drove less in 2020 due to the pandemic, the year saw the largest projected number of fatalities since 2007. …
GW Receives Funding to Develop Artificial Intelligence Systems Aimed at Helping People with Health Problems Drive Safely
Samer Hamdar, an associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at the George Washington University, is partnering with Moment AI to launch a project aimed at developing AI systems that could one day prevent health-induced traffic accidents, including those linked to stress.
TAKING THE FEAR OUT OF DRIVER EDUCATION
New drivers between the ages of 15 and 25 account for nearly half of the more than one million road deaths that occur worldwide each year, according to the World Health Organization. Educational programs often use fear-based messaging and films of crash scenes to reduce risky driving behavior among young people. But does this “scary” approach work?
Newly Licensed Autistic Drivers Crash Less Than Other Young Drivers
A collaborative study found that compared with their non-autistic peers, young autistic drivers have lower rates of moving violations and license suspensions, as well as similar to lower crash rates.
Nearly Half of Young Drivers Are Resuming Driving Just Weeks After Sustaining a Concussion
Researchers found that nearly half of adolescents who sought specialty care for a concussion were back to driving when asked approximately two weeks after the injury, even though few had returned to exercise and sports.
FOCAL EPILEPSY OFTEN OVERLOOKED
Having subtler symptoms, a form of epilepsy that affects only one part of the brain often goes undiagnosed long enough to cause unexpected seizures that contribute to car crashes, a new study finds.
Rutgers Expert Can Discuss How to Avoid Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions
New Brunswick, N.J. (Oct. 7, 2020) – With deer breeding season underway, Kathleen Kerwin, a wildlife expert at Rutgers University–New Brunswick, is available for interviews on defensive driving to avoid wildlife-vehicle collisions, what to do if you see wildlife crossing…
Should You Really Be Behind the Wheel After Concussion?
Even after all of their symptoms are gone, people who have had a concussion take longer to regain complex reaction times, the kind you need in most real-life driving situations on the road, according to a preliminary study released today that will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s Sports Concussion Virtual Conference from July 31 to August 1, 2020.
Rutgers Experts Can Discuss Emissions, Climate Change During COVID-19 Crisis
New Brunswick, N.J. (April 13, 2020) – Rutgers University–New Brunswick experts are available for interviews on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on greenhouse gas emissions, climate change and efforts to promote a greener economy and lifestyles. “During the 2007…
Winter weather wariness key to staying safe in storms
As the snow continues to come down across the Northeast, two Cornell University experts are available for interviews on safe driving tips and the ‘unsung heroes’ who continue to keep roads safe during winter weather. David Orr, director and senior…
Daylight saving can create driver fatigue and hazards on the road, says expert
As clocks “fall back” this weekend and daylight saving time ends, many Americans will be driving longer at night which could translate to more driver fatigue and hazards on the road, says Virginia Tech Transportation Institute expert Jeff Hickman. “Any…
Driverless cars could lead to more traffic congestion
New research has predicted that driverless cars could worsen traffic congestion in the coming decades, partly because of drivers’ attitudes to the emerging technology and a lack of willingness to share their rides.
Too many Americans admit to driving while drowsy
New survey results from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine highlight the prevalence of drowsy driving. To help drivers stay awake at the wheel, the AASM offers tips for National Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, Nov. 3-10.
Street Smart NJ Program Reduces Traffic Violations, Boosts Safety
New Brunswick, N.J. (Oct. 1, 2019) – Street Smart NJ campaigns on pedestrian safety at intersections in eight communities reduced traffic violations and increased safety, according to a two-part study by the Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT)…