Impact of cognitive training on professional drivers’ cognitive profiles and performance

Abstract This study explores the cognitive profiles of professional drivers and presents a pilot evaluation of a Computerized Cognitive Training (CCT) intervention, aiming to assess its feasibility and potential effects on cognitive performance and driving outcomes. To investigate how specific cognitive domains relate to real-world driving behavior, the research was structured in two experiments. Experiment 1 involved 160 professional drivers who completed cognitive assessments to examine correlations between cognitive abilities and driving safety metrics. The results revealed significant relationships, particularly noting that coordination abilities were inversely correlated with crash rates. Experiment 2 included a subset of 47 drivers from the initial group, who participated in an 8-week CCT program. Pre- and post-intervention assessments measured cognitive performance, safety metrics, and driving styles. The intervention led to significant improvements in cognitive domains, while driving styles, as expected, remained stable. However, no improvements were observed in driving metrics. In conclusion, while CCT effectively enhances cognitive performance among professional drivers, its transfer effects to driving safety metrics remain unsubstantiated. As a pilot study, these findings offer a preliminary foundation for further research to explore the relationship between cognitive enhancements and driving outcomes, and to evaluate CCT’s potential in improving road safety.