• Detroit, MI -- A Wayne State University researcher uses a high-tech driving simulator to discover ways to allow the elderly to drive longer and safer.

The Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (EACPHS) is the only health science school in the nation to have an AMOS, or Advanced Mobile Operations Simulator, says Joseph Pellerito Jr., academic program director and associate professor, Occupational Therapy Program, EACPHS.

The AMOS evaluates driving skills, including cognitive and physical abilities, of senior citizens and people with disabilities. As people grow older, their driving skills can diminish, which puts them and other road users at risk.

"The AMOS helps pinpoint areas of deficit, such as turning left at a busy intersection or parallel parking," Pellerito says.

To keep elderly drivers safe, Pellerito must determine which of their skills need sharpening. With the computer-based program, Pellerito designs a road test. The virtual world of the AMOS is a safe place to present situations such as inclement weather, glare and driver distractions such as a dog or person on the road.

When it comes to elderly family members, Pellerito says there is no magic formula to assess driver readiness, but there are things to consider:

• Pay attention to whether the driver seems alert, tired or distracted.
• Notice whether the driver is paying attention to street signs or possibly taking medication that causes an ill effect.
• Pay close attention to driving performance and time of day. For example, many people perform better during the late morning because the lighting is optimal.
• Notice whether they demonstrate declining performance in other activities of daily living, such as getting through their morning routines with efficiency.