Drivers' Perceived Workload When Driving Using Adaptive Equipment: A Pilot Study

Objectives: (1) To examine the impact of introducing an adaptive driving device (hand-control) to activate the gas and brake on perceived workload while driving, (2) to determine if age is associated with change in workload when introducing hand-controls, and (3) to investigate the association between perceptual-cognitive status and demographic factors on change in workload when hand-controls are introduced. Methods: Healthy younger (n = 27) and older (n = 27) drivers were compared on their perceived workload using the NASA Task Load Index when driving the same route with normal vehicle controls and using hand-controls to activate the gas and brake. Results: Modifying a vehicle's controls significantly increased the demands of the driving task (p < .0001). Healthy older drivers responded similarly to younger drivers, however, seniors with greater attentional declines experienced more difficulties. Women's perceived workload was greater than men's when hand-controls were introduced (p = .01). Conclusions: The results suggest that the introduction of driving adaptations may increase task demands in clients with physical impairments.