The UAB Traumatic Brain Injury Model System (UAB-TBIMS) recently led a collaborative research study study to learn more about participants' return to driving over time, specifically in the two years post-injury. Other participating centers in this project were Southeastern Michigan TBIMS, Mayo Clinic TBIMS, University of Washington TBIMS, Rocky Mountain Regional TBIMS, Virginia TBIMS, and Moss TBIMS.

A total of 334 participants responded to the driving surveys. They completed surveys in person during their inpatient rehabilitation stay regarding their pre-injury driving habits. At the 1- and 2-year follow-ups, participants completed phone surveys about their current driving habits. All participants were drivers before their traumatic brain injury.

This research study had four notable findings. First, most participants returned to driving within 2 years after injury. Next, changes in driving habits were reported, like driving less and for shorter distances. The study also found that people with higher incomes were more likely to return to driving. Finally, people are at a higher crash risk after traumatic brain injury, but this study suggests they may have been at higher risk before their TBI.

This study was funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research and published in the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation. Professor Emeritus and former UAB-TBIMS Director, Thomas Novack, was lead author of the publication.

Written by: Rachel Everley