Becoming a better driver with DriveSharp

It is no secret that age affects driving capabilities as it becomes harder to see and reaction times slow down, but there is a new program that can help.

DriveSharp is scientifically proven to improve reaction time, cut crash risks, keep people driving safely and give more confidence to drivers. The program has been tested by a global team of more that 50 scientists with research funded by the National Institutes of Health, according to Michelle Donati, AAA public affairs supervisor.

This program is unique because it evolves along with the user. Each time a person logs on to start a session they take an assessment to see where they have improved or where they still need extra help.

“The thing about DriveSharp is that you’re not going to be doing the same thing every time,” Donati said, “You are forced to challenge yourself.”

DriveSharp, which is a computer program that must be installed, looks like a game. But, this game is not just for fun, it could save lives. Last year there were a total of 34,017 fatal accidents in the United States, and 842 of those were in Arizona.

“When you’re on the road things change very quickly,” Donati said.

The program starts with two main activities called Jewel Diver and Road Tour, but as the user advances so do the activities. The activities focus on a variety of different things, such as driving in a busy intersection or high traffic area and widening a driver’s “field of view,” or what they see at first glance.

Lois Yoakam, 74, of Cave Creek, recently started DriveSharp. She found out about the program at a “Keeping the Keys” workshop put on by AAA. Yoakam feels that it is going to help her become a better and safer driver. She also said that she would definitely recommend the program to all of her friends.

Yoakam said driving at night can be extremely difficult for seniors, including some of her friends who must deal with their glasses “smearing” out the lights. She believes that this program would help give them more confidence in an uncomfortable situation.

“They should have this at senior centers for the seniors to practice in the computer section,” Yoakam said.

Information about pricing and ordering, as well as research, can be found on the Web site, DriveSharp.com. There is a free demo on the site for all who are interested in becoming a better driver.

Brandi Bell is interning this semester for the Ahwatukee Foothills News. She is a sophomore at Arizona State University.