Driving training and behaviour among young adults with cerebral palsy – A follow-up pilot study. (February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rike, Per-Ola; Aa, Sigrunn Grønningen; Storenes, Ann Kathrin; Stadskleiv, Kristine; Eliassen, Carl Fredrik
• Is Part Of: Transportation research. Volume 93(2023)
• Page Start: 23
• Page End: 33
• Publication Date: 2023-02
• Subjects: Driving -- Driving health requirements -- Cerebral palsy -- Cognition -- Crashes; Automobile drivers -- Psychology -- Periodicals; Automobile driving -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Transportation -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; 629.283019
• DOI: 10.1016/j.trf.2022.12.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1369-8478

Abstract

Highlights: Cognitive function is associated with succeeding driver's license training. Cognitive deficits are associated with accident involvement. Driving an adapted vehicle due to motor dysfunction increases accident risk. Abstract: Objective: Investigate medical, demographic and neuropsychological variables associated with driving in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: This study has a retrospective cohort design. A follow-up survey was sent to former patients with CP that previously had passed a multidisciplinary driving assessment. Participants included a total of 17 persons, 3 men and 14 women, mean age 26 years at follow-up. The follow-up survey included data from driving training, self-reported driving behaviour and measures of perceived pain and fatigue. The survey data was analysed in comparison with retrospective medical and neuropsychological data. Results: Two-thirds of the participants had obtained a valid driver's license at the time of follow-up. Cognitive impairments were found within both the driving and non-driving group, but more severely among the non-drivers. A subgroup had been repeatedly involved in traffic incidents and crashes. Conclusion: When assessing fitness to drive in persons with CP, clinicians need to give realistic prognostics based on a multidisciplinary clinical assessment before starting the arduous and costly process that obtaining a driving license represents.