Richard Backs, professor of psychology, received continuing funding from the Michigan Department of Transportation for the work of CMU’s Center for Driving Evaluation, Education and Research.

The DEER Center's work centers around keeping people driving safely longer. The center enables older drivers or persons who have had a stroke or brain injury, or who suffer from a neurodegenerative disease, to have their cognitive driving ability evaluated to assess whether it is safe for them to either continue driving or resume driving.

Backs received funding to develop, evaluate and recommend a multimedia toolkit to promote education and awareness for adults over age 65, their caregivers, family and friends about the effects of aging on driving ability and to encourage drivers to make appropriate choices as they age.

Located in the Health Professions Building, the DEER Center is a collaboration between the College of Humanities and Social and Behavioral Sciences and the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions.

Grant: "Senior Transportation Education and Awareness Toolkit Year 2," Michigan Department of Transportation, $84,444.