Delegates Tom Rust and Joe May try out the VDSL’s driving simulator
Driving is a freedom we first discover in our youth, take advantage of as young adults and take for granted as we age. The hard truth is that there comes a point where our reaction times are just not sufficient and we pose a risk to our loved ones in the car and the people sharing the road with us.
If you’re uncertain as to whether you or a loved one is at that point, consider the Virginia Driving Safety Laboratory (VDSL) at the University of Virginia Health Center. Their state-of-the-art driving simulator measures your ability to steer, control the speed of a vehicle and negotiate obstacles on the road.
Professor Daniel Cox Ph.D. of the Virginia University
Created by Professor Daniel Cox Ph.D, the simulator gives a real-world experience behind the wheel. The console has turn signals and rear-view windows. The 210° wrap-around screen shows Charlotteville’s streets, making you feel like you are actually in a car. It’s a “video game” with practical applications.
The VDSL uses their simulator for many things, including assessments for senior drivers. Their specialized staff can answer any of your questions. The evaluation is simple; it involves a questionnaire that can be completed at home, a two or three hour session at the lab, a written summary of your results and a follow-up call or meeting to discuss them. Your results are strictly confidential and will only be provided to your doctor upon request.
Professor Cox speaks about the benefits of the driving simulator in the video below.
Please note, there is a fee associated with the test that is not usually covered by insurance.
Contact the VDSL for more information.
For more articles like this, see: Resources for Central Virginia, Aging in Place, Care for the Caregiver, Seniors and Driving.
Know someone who worries about their elderly parent in Charlottesville, Staunton, or Harrisonburg Virginia? Care is There Geriatric Care Management can help! Have them contact us for a free consultation: 434.326.5323 or info@careisthere.com.
For more information about our services, and to read testimonials from our clients, visit our website. Also, view this short video about our care management services.
Elizabeth Swider, Geriatric Care Manager, Certified Senior Advisor
President, Care is There Geriatric Care Management
Support for independent living and long distance caregiving; assisted living enhancement
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