The Effectiveness of a Digital Game-Based Intervention on Hazard Perception and Visual Skills in Novice Drivers: A Single Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Novice drivers show poorer performance than experienced drivers in terms of visual skills and hazard perception. This study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of a digital game-based intervention on hazard perception and visual skills in novice drivers. Forty-six novice drivers (6 men, 40 women) were randomized to the intervention group (n = 23; 20.79 ± 0.81 years) or control (n = 23; 20.65 ± 0.93 years) group. The intervention group received a game-based intervention in addition to a hazard perception training, whereas the control group received only the hazard perception training. Hazard perception and visual skills were assessed in both groups before and after the 14-day interventions. Between-group comparisons revealed significantly greater improvements in visual short time memory, visual closure, visual discrimination, figure-ground and total scores in the game-based group than in the control group (p < 0.05 for all). Our results showed that 14 days of game-based intervention enhanced hazard perception and visual skills in novice drivers. Using game-based interventions in driving rehabilitation is recommended to improve hazard perception and visual skills of novice drivers.

Keywords:

• Game
• hazard perception
• novice drivers
• visual skills

Author disclosure statement

The results of the study are presented honestly, clearly, and without falsification, fabrication, or inappropriate data manipulation. The authors have declared no conflicts of interest in the current study.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this paper.

Ethical approval

Ethical Approval obtained from University of Health Sciences Turkey Gülhane Scientific Research Ethics Committee (Ref: Go 21/25).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.