The Background of DriveABLE

Dr. Allen Dobbs, Director of the Neurocognitive Research Unit within the Northern Alberta Regional Geriatric Program, & professor at the University of Alberta, has a special interest in pathologies associated with cognitive decline & the effect they have on the ability for a person to accomplish daily tasks.

He was approached to research the methods of accurately assessing drivers with cognitive impairment & was surprised to find that no scientifically validated method was available. To address this lack of  evidence based tools, Dr. Dobbs & his research team eagerly began the challenge of developing a scientifically validated research-based assessment.

After eight years & 1700 participants the DriveABLE Assessment was developed.  Dr Dobbs & his team received the "Claude P. Beaubien Award of Excellence in Research" for their work. At the conclusion of the research, the immeasurable value of this tool was apparent and physicians and licensing authorities had become dependent on it for making decisions about medical fitness-to drive.  In response to those agencies becoming so reliant on the assessment, DriveABLE Assessment Centres Inc. was founded in 1998, as a University spin-off company.

The medical community and government agencies appreciate the significant impact this service provides for injury prevention and traffic safety programs. Building on research and industry experience DriveABLE has evolved to become a leader in driver risk management solutions and fleet safety programs for the medical community, government licensing agencies, insurance companies, and fleet managers.

“DriveABLE is an injury-prevention program. Society now recognises that driving while drunk is not acceptable. Yet we still accept that driving while illness-impaired is okay. This attitude has to change... It’s like taking away a person’s keys when they’ve had too much to drink. When mental abilities are affected, driving competence is always questionable. The decision is too important to be left to opinion. The decision must be based on facts.”

Dr Allen Dobbs

Please see the "Development of DriveABLE" for a more in-depth

review of the years of research behind DriveABLE.

* Image source: Alberta Innovates Health Solutions