Other - Research Brief
Looking Beyond Bioptic Telescopes
University of Iowa Public Policy Center
07/2019
Abstract
First reportedly used for driving in 1970, bioptic telescopes aid drivers with visual impairments in reading street signs while hopefully still maintaining awareness of the environment around them. Bioptic telescope proponents assert that these devices are only used for a small percentage of driving time (5-10%) for wayfinding tasks1,2 such as reading street signs. Currently, there are several thousand drivers with visual impairments in the US using bioptic telescopes, though the exact number is unknown. As driving culture and technologies change, our laws and policies may also need to evolve. The vast majority of states require the use of a bioptic telescope for individuals with low vision to qualify for driving privileges. But since using bioptic telescopes while driving was introduced half a century ago, new technologies have been developed to decrease visual distraction for drivers. To improve safety for everyone on our roadways, more research is needed into bioptic telescope alternatives and state laws, as well as reexamining policies.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Looking Beyond Bioptic Telescopes
- Creators
- Mark E Wilkinson - University of IowaDaniel V McGehee - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Other
- Resource Sub-type
- Research Brief
- Publisher
- University of Iowa Public Policy Center; Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Number of pages
- 2 pages
- Copyright
- Copyright © 2019 the authors
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 07/2019
- Academic Unit
- Occupational and Environmental Health; Emergency Medicine; Driving Safety Research Institute; Industrial and Systems Engineering; Center for Social Science Innovation; Injury Prevention Research Center; Public Policy Center (Archive); Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
- Record Identifier
- 9984475737102771
Metrics
2 File views/ downloads
8 Record Views