Analysis of Driving Behavior Where it Matters

Computerized driving simulators are good platforms for evaluating driving abilities but the wealth of data collected must be analyzed with careful attention to the underlying questions of the research program. In the context of an ongoing study we have developed analyses to quantify vehicle-handling skills and head movement behaviors that are relevant to hemianopia (loss of half the visual field on the same side in both eyes). By evaluating skills in specific segments of the drive (straights, curves, turns) we can address important driving behaviors that are relevant to the condition under investigation. These behaviors may be masked when studied across the entire drive, but may be easily detected in specific drive segments. In this methodology paper we describe the development of our assessments and analyses for patients with hemianopia, and use sample data plots from individual cases to demonstrate that our analyses are sensitive to lane position biases, vehicle handling difficulties, and inadequate or compensatory head movements at intersections.