New technology to keep drivers 'sharp' at the wheelDate: 7/21/2009 By Katelyn Gendron
Reminder Assistant Editor
Physical fitness is often on the minds of those wanting hot beach bodies this summer but few include brain exercise as part of their weekly workout regiment.
Posit Science Corporation of San Francisco, Calif., has released a new product now available in the Pioneer Valley to get those neurons pumping during the drive to the beach. DriveSharp, a brain fitness software program produced by Posit Science, is scientifically proven to cut crash risk in half, improve stopping distance and maintain drivers' skills as they age, according to the company.
The success of this software -- clinically tested for over two decades -- prompted AAA Pioneer Valley to endorse the program, now available at their locations and through online vendors.
"Part of making our nation's roads safer is helping mature drivers who wish to stay active -- a quickly growing population -- maintain or improve their driving safety," Peter Kissinger, AAA Foundation CEO, said.
Sandra Marsian, AAA vice president of Membership, Marketing and Public Relations, added, "We are addressing the number one driver safety device -- the driver's mind. This is an important breakthrough in helping our members in assessing their driving risk and then doing something about it.
"The studies show that on average just 10 hours of training will help people drive longer and safer," she continued. "That's a great result and something we all want."
Robbi Peele, senior media relations manager at Posit Science, explained that the software was originally designed to help the Baby Boomer population as reaction time slows when a person reaches his or her 40s. She added that drivers of all ages can benefit, however.
The program requires users to participate in a two-part exercise -- Jewel Diver and Road Tour -- "that feel like games but are serious science," according to information released by Posit Science.
"Jewel Diver improves your ability to divide your attention, so that you can track multiple things at once -- cars at a busy intersection, children running around a playground, or your soccer team members as they run downfield," according to the Posit Science Web site. "Road Tour takes [users on] a trip along Route 66, locating road signs and identifying other cars along the way to widen your useful field of view."
DriveSharp has been clinically proven within over 50 studies published by the Journal of the American Medical Association.
The software is available for $139 at www.positscience.com or at www.aaa.com.
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