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Pre-driver awareness and readiness skills.
By Chuck Huss
C.O.M.S.
Prospective BiOptic drivers should be able to (initially as
a pedestrian):
A. Receive, retain, and follow route instructions
1. Mental mapping skills
2. Conceptual development
a.
Block Distance
b.
Position
c.
Facing
d.
Time
e.
Sun clues
f.
Street marker
g.
Street continuity
h.
Basic math (add, subtract)
i.
Body turns
j.
Route shape
k.
Laterality
l.
Directionality
m.
Parallel v. Perpendicular
n.
Compass Directions
o.
Numbering systems
p.
Reverse v. alternate routes
B. Travel a designated path or route
1. Eye lead
2. Scanning ability
3. Static and dynamic orientation
4. Sampling your environment
5. Object avoidance
6. Textural and gradient change awareness
7. Visual memory
C. Detect, identify, and react in time to critical
objects/conditions in one's travel environments
1. Functional acuity abilities
a.
Awareness acuity
b.
Identification acuity
c.
Preferred viewing distance
2. Critical object/condition awareness a. Roadway
characteristics b. Traffic control devices c. Other road users
D. Detect, analyze, and cross intersections (controlled
versus non-controlled)
1. Scanning ability
a.
Prior to crossing
b.
During crossing
2. Conceptual development
a.
Shape
b.
Size
c.
Signage
d.
Pavement markings
e.
Positioning and facement of signs, traffic lights and traffic
f.
Parallel versus perpendicular
3. Method of crossing
4. Object, speed and depth perception
5. Walking speed
6. Collision trap awareness
7. Color identification and discrimination
8. Yielding procedures
9. Object avoidance
10. Sound detection, differentiation, and localization
11. Confidence and safety
12. Turn Right or Left on Red Laws
To
see a video clip about pre-driver awareness,
click
here. (7.21 Mb) MPEG format, for Windows Media Player.
Charles
P. Huss, C.O.M.S. Coordinator, Low Vision Driver Services
West
Virginia Rehabilitation Center P.O. Box 1004 Barron Drive Institute, WV 25112
TEL: 304-766-4803 FAX: 304-766-4816 Charles P. Huss is an Academy Certified
Orientation and Mobility Specialist with 25 years of teaching experience with
visually impaired individuals [K-Geriatrics].
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