Initial Screening Assessment Program - Senior Driving Evaluation and Assessment


In Topeka: 785-272-1961 Outside Topeka: 1-800-557-7357

Initial Screening Assessment Program (I.S.A.P.) I and II
for the Mature Driver

INTRODUCTION

With the number of older drivers increasing each year, the ability to adequately identify and evaluate any mental and/or physical concerns with their driving skills is an important public safety issue. There is a NEW, INNOVATIVE, COMPREHENSIVE, and CONVENIENT program titled "The Initial Screening Assessment Program , I and II, for Mature Drivers". It provides flexibility, thoroughness in scope, ease of administration and is designed specifically to assess a mature driver's current driving ability, before they actually get behind the wheel and drive. It is safe and accurately revealing. This "pro-active" program consists of written, verbal, and physical responses to a variety of cognitive and physical evaluation activities. There are five specific areas to evaluate that relate directly to a person's ability to drive safely. This program is flexible, because it can be utilized in its entirety or in separate parts. It is conveniently mobile, because it can be given anywhere from the senior's home to an office setting. Each assessment activity can identify potential driving deficiencies, and then these deficiencies can be validated during the Section II (in-car) assessment. The results from this two-part screening program, plus any recommended interventions, can be implemented quickly. This will immediately provide a much safer environment for the mature driver, as well as helping reduce hazardous traffic situations for others on the roadways.

Click here to learn more about this booklet "Important ideas for seniors when driving."
This 10-page booklet contains many important driving ideas, techniques, and recommendations that every mature driver should have the opportunity to read and review. It is in LARGE print for easy reading.

INITIAL SCREENING ASSESSMENT PROGRAM I

THE FIVE AREAS OF EVALUATION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. COGNITIVE ASSESSMENT - measures several key mental aspects required for safe driving.

A. The first cognitive evaluation has simple questions the driver will answer. The results can provide insight into the driver's mental status.

B. The second cognitive activity will evaluate working memory, visual perception, visuospacial skills, selective and divided attention, and how they all directly relate to the driving task.

C. The final assessment will measure long and short-term memory, visual perception, visuospacial skills, as well as selective and executive attention.

All three assessments are easy to administer and can help pinpoint possible cognitive driving concerns.

2. VISION - This vision evaluation will assess the driver's visual activity and their peripheral vision. Both are extremely important for safe driving. Ninety percent of how a driver performs behind-the-wheel is based on what they see. Thus, vision screenings should be given every six months to a year. This is especially true for older drivers.

3. MOTOR - There are three assessments that will evaluate lower body movement as it relates to driving activities such as acceleration and braking. This screening may also provide insight into future traffic events that could be hazardous for the mature driver.

4. RANGE OF MOTION - These assessment activities include the following areas:

A. Right and left fingers/hands for adequate steering wheel grip, mirror adjustments, etc.

B. Neck rotation to the right and left so the driver can see both "blind-spots", both side mirrors, etc.

C. Right and left shoulder/arm to measure proper range of motion for easy steering-wheel movement, putting on seat belt, etc.

D. Right and left foot/ankle movement for adequate acceleration and braking.

5. PHYSICAL STRENGTH - These activities are also assessed manually and include the following:

A. Right and left hand grip for strength to secure the steering wheel, turn the ignition on and off, move selector to "D"/"R", open or close the doors, put seatbelt on, etc.

B. Right and left wrist strength for adjusting the mirrors, turning the ignition on and off, turning various knobs inside the vehicle, put seatbelt on, etc.

C. Right and left shoulder/arm for smoothly controlling and turning the steering wheel, raising arms to adjust mirrors, putting on seatbelts, etc.

D. Right and left ankle/foot primarily for braking and acceleration, and the clutch, if necessary.

INITIAL SCREENING ASSESSMENT PROGRAM II

This section is the actual "in-car" evaluation and is based on the results from "Section I". There will be a wide range of traffic environments that the senior will experience while driving. This will assist in providing validation for any cognitive and/or physical deficiencies revealed from Section I.

SUMMARY

THE I.S.A.P. I and II is a two part evaluation program that will help the senior driver indentify specific driving concerns and provide a much clearer picture of their current driving ability.

If you have questions or would like to have an evaluation for you or someone else, please contact our office at 1-800-557-7357 or 785-272-1961.

The "Intial Screening Assessment Program I and II" is available for purchase to schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or other professional driving schools. Training is also available. For inquiry, please call the 800 number.

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