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Published on: September 18, 2012
Hazard Perception Skill and Driver Behavior in Patients With Functional Neurologic Disorders
Tjerk J Lagrand1, Atiyeh Vaezipour2, Andrew Hill2
1From the Department of Neurology (T.J.L., A.C.L.), Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; RECOVER Injury Research Centre (A.V.), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia., Minerals Industry Safety and Health Centre, Sustainable Minerals Institute (A.H.), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; School of Psychology (A.H., M.S.H.), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia., and School of Medicine (A.C.L.), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. tjerklagrand@gmail.com.
Drivers with functional neurologic disorders (FND) may have better hazard prediction skills than healthy individuals, despite reporting more driving errors. This suggests FND patients can perceive traffic hazards effectively between symptom episodes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Traffic Safety Research
- Psychology
Background:
- Driving is a concern for functional neurologic disorder (FND) patients.
- Current FND driving guidelines lack empirical evidence.
- This study provides empirical data on FND driving performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- Compare driving performance and crash risk behaviors in FND patients versus healthy controls.
- Assess hazard perception skills in drivers with FND.
- Provide evidence for FND driving guidelines.
Main Methods:
- 43 FND patients and 43 healthy controls participated.
- Validated self-report questionnaires assessed driving behaviors.
- Two computer-based hazard perception tests were administered.
Main Results:
- FND patients reported more driving lapses and errors.
- No significant differences in reported violations or attention errors.
- FND patients outperformed controls in verbal hazard prediction tests.
Conclusions:
- Drivers with FND demonstrate effective hazard prediction abilities.
- FND patients' hazard perception may be superior in certain contexts.
- Further research is needed to confirm these findings across diverse populations.
