Return to driving after severe traumatic brain injury: Increased risk of traffic accidents and personal responsibility

Umberto Bivona, Mariagrazia D'Ippolito, Marco Giustini, Pascal Vignally, Eloise Longo, Franco Taggi, Rita Formisano

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of road traffic accidents among individuals who start or resume driving after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to investigate their responsibility for these accidents. DESIGN: Observational/retrospective study. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty adults with severe TBI and their caregivers. MEASURES: Return to Driving Questionnaire and Glasgow Outcome Scale. RESULTS: Thirty of the 60 participants started to drive or resumed driving after TBI. Nineteen (63%) of them were involved in traffic accidents, with personal responsibility in 26 of 36 after return to driving. Participants caused a significantly higher number of accidents after TBI than before. CONCLUSIONS: The ability to drive is frequently compromised after severe TBI. Specific rehabilitation of this complex activity should be a main goal of social reintegration programs in this population.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)210-215
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation
Volume27
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2012

Keywords

  • rehabilitation
  • return to driving
  • risk factors
  • severe traumatic brain injury
  • traffic safety

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Rehabilitation
  • Clinical Neurology
  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

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