Driver safety continues to be a major public health concern across all age groups, but particularly so among young drivers. “Unintentional injuries” (accidents) are the leading cause of death for teenagers, and crash risk has proven to be particularly high during the first months of licensure. Statistically, it is known that teens are more likely to underestimate or not be able to recognize hazardous situations, and are more likely than older drivers to speed, allow shorter headways, and engage in risky driving behavior. For more than two years, our research team has promoted the expanded use of driving simulators to supplement existing driver training curricula. The eventual goal is to develop, validate, and standardize a state-level and nationally accepted revision to existing driver training policies – including simulation as a core component for ALL young drivers. Due primarily to their inherent inexperience, typical teens are the most at-risk group within our driving population. Throughout our recruitment process, we have encountered a number of “special needs” participants within the teenage demographic who have heightened requirements (e.g., learning disabilities) for advanced driver training techniques. Simulator driving performance data from three such “vulnerable groups” are observed, analyzed, and reported in the current research. They are: ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), a psychiatric disorder that involves symptoms of inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity; Asperger's, an autism spectrum disorder that is characterized by difficulties in cognitive development, physical clumsiness, and atypical use of communication; Turner Syndrome, a chromosomal abnormality characterized by concurrent health concerns including vision problems, cognitive deficits, and difficulties in visuospatial and memory. In this study, we emphasize those candidate drivers that are most in need of effective and robust training methods. Analysis of the training requirements of these specialized sub-populations will help to inform the ongoing design of future simulator programs geared towards ALL young drivers.
