SEED PROJECT: Simulated driving, real journeys: Exploring driving performance and gaze behaviour following acquired brain injury

About the Project

Researcher name: Dr Louise Bassingthwaighte (Chief Investigator), School of Allied Health, Sport and Social Work and The Hopkins Centre, Griffith University

People/organisations involved:

Dr Jayke Bennett, The Hopkins Centre, Griffith University (CI)
Ms Katherine Goodchild, Acquired Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service, Metro South Health (CI)
Dr Chris Irwin, School of Allied Health, Sport and Social Work, Griffith University (CI)
Associate Professor Darren Wishart, Motor Accident Insurance Commission Road Safety Research Collaboration, Griffith University (AI)
Mr Clive Kempson, Lived experience consultant (AI)
Dr Matthew Stainer, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University (AI)
Mr Matthew Taylor, Allied Health Rehabilitation, Gold Coast University Hospital (AI)
Professor Louise Gustafsson, Program Lead, Enabling Technologies and Environments, The Hopkins Centre, Griffith University (AI)

This project investigates driving performance and eye-gaze behaviour following acquired brain injury (ABI) using driving simulator technology. It compares simulated driving and gaze patterns across three groups: people without brain injury, people with ABI who have returned to driving, and people with ABI who aspire to return. The study explores whether simulators can safely and effectively identify driving-related skill differences and support rehabilitation alongside or prior to on-road assessment.

Aim and objective

The aim is to improve understanding of cognitive and behavioural differences in driving after ABI. Objectives are to:

Identify key differences in simulated driving performance and gaze behaviour between groups, and
Assess the feasibility and acceptability of driving simulators as tools for post-ABI driving remediation and assessment.

Expected outcomes and impact

The project will provide new evidence on the use of simulated driving and eye-tracking to distinguish driving skill levels following ABI and to inform targeted, skills-based driving rehabilitation. Expected outcomes include a co-designed practice guide for driving remediation, translation of findings into clinical and driver training networks, and a strong evidence base to support future competitive grant applications and policy-relevant research. Ultimately, the project aims to support safer, more accessible pathways back to driving for people with ABI.

Project status and timeframe

Seed-funded research project with funding commencing January 2026. The project is expected to run for approximately 17 months, including ethics approval, data collection, analysis, and dissemination.