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Loren Staplin‚ Transanalytics
AAA has a widely acclaimed self-assessment product for seniors (Roadwise Review) that identifies and provides early warning about declines in critical safe driving abilities. A logical adjunct or enhancement for this product is a companion resource targeting medication-related driving impairments, as older persons consume a disproportionate share of over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Recent research has significantly expanded our understanding both of drug use by seniors and the association between potentially driver impairing (PDI) medications and motor vehicle crashes. A present need is to translate these research findings into a tool that can help older people (and others on medications) make informed decisions about drugs and driving.
The product under development, Roadwise Rx, is designed as a tutorial for persons who want to understand the driving risks associated with medication usage. It will use everyday language to briefly summarize the potential effects on safe operation of a motor vehicle for a vast library of current medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, and will serve as a gateway to more detailed information about specific medications or combination of medications used by an individual.
Product development goals include:
- Translate up-to-date reference materials explaining drug actions and interactions in the context of requirements for safely controlling a vehicle, and their potentially driver impairing effects into an engaging multimedia presentation.
- Develop a searchable library (database) including therapeutic class and subclass for all prescription medications with potentially driver impairing (PDI) effects currently on the market in the U.S.
- Integrate a multimedia presentation on drugs and driving into a standalone web application, including hyperlinks to the searchable drug library, resulting in a market-ready software product suitable for delivery to consumers.
Roadwise Rx is expected to result in more informed decisions by consumers regarding driving under the influence of single and multiple medications, thus promoting safe mobility for all drivers who use this resource. As a side benefit, by spurring inquiries to one's doctor or pharmacist, use of this product may lead to a reduction in the risk of falls, and other wellness benefits. Rx is currently scheduled to be completed in August.
Last Revised on 07/01/2010
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