Central Michigan University

Friday, November 30, 2007

CMU acquires advanced driving simulator; dedicates it to AAA Michigan

A new advanced driving simulator donated to Central Michigan University by AAA Michigan will be used to conduct research and educate drivers to make roads safer.

The driving simulator, which is based on an actual vehicle and has a 180-degree field of view, was named the "AAA Michigan Driving Simulator" at a dedication Friday. The simulator will be utilized in the CMU Center for Driving Evaluation, Education and Research, which will provide clinical services to evaluate cognitive fitness to drive along with education to improve the safety of older drivers. The DEER Center also will conduct research on older drivers and drivers with attention disorders.

"This simulator will be an advanced clinical and research tool and is the only one in Michigan operating at this level," said CMU psychology professor and DEER Center director Richard Backs. "We are very proud and excited to have this technology at CMU."

AAA Michigan has been a part of the planning process for the DEER Center since its conception, teaming with Backs and utilizing its own efforts on safety issues to develop the program.

"AAA Michigan has been involved with this project since the earliest stages of planning," said Backs. "Their counsel and encouragement was vital in making the DEER Center a reality."

A DEER Center advisory board has been established that consists of stakeholders from the community, professionals in driving safety, health care, senior services, and CMU faculty and staff from relevant departments. The advisory board will meet twice a year to provide oversight for DEER Center operations including, but not limited to, strategic planning, development activities, and standards of care and record keeping.

"We are very pleased and honored to be working with CMU and appreciate the opportunity to be a part of this effort," said Jack Peet, AAA Michigan community safety services manager. "This project will enforce the goals and focus of AAA Michigan which are to keep seniors behind the wheel as long as possible and keep the roadways as safe as we can."

DEER Center research scientist and CMU psychology faculty member Nick Cassavaugh has already begun to conduct research on how driver attention changes as people age, especially adults 65 years of age and older. The DEER Center is scheduled to begin operation in the fall of 2008.