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On-road driving with moderate visual field loss.
Alex Bowers1, Eli Peli, Jennifer Elgin
1The Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA. abowers@vision.eri.harvard.edu
Summary
Drivers with restricted peripheral vision showed poorer driving skills, particularly in lane changes and cornering. Further research is needed to establish safe driving field extent limits.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Road Safety
- Human Factors
Background:
- Peripheral visual field extent is crucial for safe driving.
- Understanding the impact of visual field loss on driving performance is essential for public safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between visual field extent and driving performance in an on-road setting.
- To identify specific driving maneuvers and skills most affected by restricted peripheral vision.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-eight drivers with restricted peripheral visual fields were assessed.
- Driving performance was evaluated on a 14-mile route using detailed skill assessments.
- Binocular visual field extent, useful field of view (UFOV), and contrast sensitivity were measured.
Main Results:
- More restricted visual fields correlated with poorer speed matching during lane changes and lane keeping on curves.
- Poorer anticipatory skills were observed in drivers with narrower visual fields.
- Deficits in UFOV and contrast sensitivity were linked to overall and specific driving performance issues.
Conclusions:
- Mild to moderate peripheral visual field restrictions negatively impact specific driving skills.
- Further research with drivers having more severe visual field restrictions is necessary to define safe driving limits.