Improved driving performance following perceptual training in persons with brain damage

This study investigated (1) the modifiability of perceptual deficits by simple paper-and-pencil exercises, and (2) the effects of such exercises on driving performance. Eight subjects with acquired brain damage were given 8 to 10 hours of perceptual training. The training was preceded and followed by repeated evaluations of perceptual skills and in-traffic driving performance. Results indicated that (1) perceptual skills improved following such training, (2) the training was associated with improved driving performance, and (3) the degree of driving-performance improvement was directly related to the degree of improvement of perceptual skills.