| Publication Abstract Display | | Type: Published Abstract | | Title: Assessing driving abilities in HIV-infected individuals with mild NP impairment. | | Authors: Marcotte T, Heaton R, Gonzalez R, Reicks C, Grant I, and the HNRC Group | | Year: 2001 | | Publication: Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society | | Volume: 7 Issue: 2 Pages: 230 | | Abstract:We have previously shown that mild HIV-related neuropsychological (NP)
dysfunction is associated with both poor performance on a driving simulator
and worse driving record (more real-life accidents). This study examines
(1) whether HIV-related NP deficits result in unsafe driving
(evaluated via an on-road assessment) and (2) the utility of NP and simulator
assessments in identifying unsafe drivers. Methods: Participants (36
HIV+, 20 HIV-) completed an NP battery and were classified as impaired
or not. Driving skills were assessed by (1) performance on two simulations,
and (2) a 30-min on-road evaluation by a rehabilitation driving
instructor. The instructor determined whether subjects were safe to be
driving, All evaluators were blinded to subject serostatus and results on all
other tests. Results: Ten (28%) of the HIV+ participants were classified as
NP impaired (none with greater than a mild-to-moderate level of impairment).
Although it was rare for HIV seronegative and HIV- NP normals
to be considered unsafe on the road (5% and 7.7%, respectively), 4 of 10
participants (40%) with HIV-related NP dysfunction were so classified.
NP impaired participants also did more poorly on each of the simulations.
NP and simulator performance were each significant predictors of on-road
failure. Conclusion: Even mild levels of HIV-associated cognitive impairment
may result in impaired driving skills in a subset of individuals. Further
study is needed to refine the use of NP and other predictors for
identifying individuals at risk for dangerous driving behaviors. |
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