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Project Name: My Extra Pair of Eyes

TechXplore 2008-2009, sponsored by the National Science & Technology Education Partnership (NSTEP).

www.nstep-online.org

This TechXplore project was completed by Bergen County Academies, Hackensack, NJ, with technical support from Jes Barrett of ATK - Alliant Techsystems Inc. and our facilitator, Mrs. Evelyn Rios.

ADHD is a disabling mental disorder. In essence, people with ADHD have immense trouble focusing. Driving is an activity which requires constant attention to the surroundings. Also, it involves a surplus of multitasking. People with ADHD are imparied from such a necessary task as driving. We are proposing

Problem

Certain motorists can cause serious problems on the road. There are alcoholics, elderly drivers, ADHD drivers, and drug addicts. In addtion to people who have medical problems, people that are lost and driving too slow or speeding can be a danger on the road. Many of these problems have solutions.GPS systems have been created to keep drivers from getting lost, ignition interlock systems can be installed into cars to prevent intoxicated drivers from starting the car, and cruise control can be applied to vehicles to keep motorists from speeding. However, there is no solution for ADHD drivers besides medication.

http://adventure.howstuffworks.com/gps.htm

http://www.totaldui.com/dui_articles_technology_against_dui.htm

ADHD drivers are hazards on the road because they often lose focus on driving and cause accidents. They put the lives and safety of other drivers in danger. Some people, however, feel that ADHD is not a problem on the road.

"I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was about 10. I have been driving since i was 15 and I have never been in a bad wreck that was my fault. In fact I have avoided quite a few because I pay attention on the road. I am 25 now and I drive in Atlanta every day do just fine. In fact those with ADD generally process multiple inputs at once more efficiently than most people." Aaron

"I am a diagnosed ADD and am 18 years old. I agree that it is more difficult for us to drive sometimes but to be totally honest, ADD people have the ability to hyper focus on what we do." Mat

"My 23 year old daughter has ADD. And she was diagnosed while in high school shortly after getting her drivers license. She has NEVER had a accident, no tickets and is very attentive when she drives." Mary

These people have either been diagnosed with ADHD or are very close to people with ADHD. However, they are basing their opinions on only their own experiences. The entire poplulation of ADHD drivers cannot be based on individual cases. According to these statistics from CNN, ADHD drivers are more likely to get into accidents.

- People with ADHD are four times more likely to speed than people without ADHD

- They are 2 to 3 times more likely to get into an accident

- 5 times more likely to get a parking ticket

http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/09/15/hm.driving.add/

If this problem was solved, the road would be a much safer place. There would be less motorists that would be likely to cause an accident. This would protect ADHD drivers, their passengers, and other drivers on the road.

TechXplore 2008-2009, sponsored by the National Science & Technology Education Partnership (NSTEP).

www.TechXplore.org

Solution

3 Possible Solutions

-Indefinite permit: ADHD drivers would not be allowed to get a Basic Driver's license. They would only be allowed to drive with a learners permit

-Speed restrictor: This would only prevent drivers from driving too fast. It would only help them focus on speed.

-Recorded reminders: This product would be similar to an mp3 player. It would have different voices and sayings, played at different intervals of time.

The Chosen Solution:

Recorded reminders- they would say things such as, "Pay attention to the road," and "Watch your speed." The driver would not zone out, different voices would be used, and the recordings would be played on shuffle, such as on an iPod shuffle, and the driver would not know when the recording is coming and tune it out. We are aware that many teens are proud and would not want help driving, so only the parent could turn the device off with a password. It would be connected to the cigarette lighter in the car. They would be renewed every half a year and cost $30. This was the best choice because it is an inconvenience to have an indefinate permit. A speed restrictor would only control speed, not whether or not the driver is paying attention to the road. These reminders would remind the driver to keep the speed under control and pay attention to the road.

Dr. David Rabiner, a clinical child psychologist who specializes in the evaluation and treatment of children with ADHD, says:

"Children with ADHD require more frequent reminders about what is expected of them and what they can earn for meeting those expectations."

"Design the program so your child has a good chance to epxerience some initial success."

http://www.athealth.com/Consumer/farticles/Rabiner.html

This technology is not so far out. We already have things like GPS systems that are in people's cars. They also speak to the driver.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=134&pID=9122

Our technology is also similar to the iPod©, a popular mp3 player right now. However, instead of a clickwheel, there will be number buttons like on a calculator for password input.

Other options to help alleviate the symptoms of ADHD include but are not limited to:

Various types of therapy

Medications including:

Methylphenidate

Dextroamphetamine/amphetamine

Dextroamphetamine

Experimental treatments such as:

Biofeedback

Brain wave biofeedback

Special diets and supplements

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/adhd/DS00275/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs

TechXplore 2008-2009, sponsored by the National Science & Technology Education Partnership (NSTEP).

www.TechXplore.org

Team Profile

Olivia - Co-Leader. My strength is passion for the project. I always keep my team motivated and enthused.

Katie- Co-Leader. My strength is in researching and developing ideas. I am also focused and keep my team on task.

Daniel - Webmaster. My strength is attention to detail and the little things that perfect the project. I keep my team in check.

Wesley - Designer. My strength is making the project look professional and using photoshop. I give advice to my team.

Lessons Learned:

We learned how to work with a team, how to work with an outside mentor, how to make a website, how to use photoshop, and how to be disciplined when working on a project.

TechXplore 2008-2009, sponsored by the National Science & Technology Education Partnership (NSTEP).

www.TechXplore.org

Assessment

1. Before this survey, were you aware of the hazards of ADHD patients on the road?

Yes=29% No=71%

2. Would you feel safer as a driver or passenger if this system was in use by ADHD drivers?

Yes=100% No=0%

3. Would you recommend this system to friends or family with ADHD that drive?

Yes=100% No=0%

4. Do you think the system would frustrate the driver?

Yes=43% No=57%

5. Do you think having a password to turn it off will be safe and effective for the system?

Yes=71% No=29%

6. Do you think the system is reasonably priced?

Yes=93% No=7%

7. Do you think lives will be spared due to this system?

Yes=100% No=0%

8. Do you think there will be negative effects?

Yes=36% No=64%

9. Do you think this device will be used by many people?

Yes=86% No=14%

10. Do you think the system can be used for any other disorder?

Yes=43% No=57%

TechXplore 2008-2009, sponsored by the National Science & Technology Education Partnership (NSTEP).

www.TechXplore.org

Presentation

My Extra Eyes presenting their product from the computer screen.

TechXplore 2008-2009, sponsored by the National Science & Technology Education Partnership (NSTEP).

www.TechXplore.org

Mentor Interview

Questions:

What is your job? What does your job involve? What do you like most about your job?
Has the field you're involved in expanded over the years? Do you think it will develop?
Are any aspects of your job related to our project?
What is your educational background?

Answers:

I have a degree in Chemical Engineering from Drexel University and an MBA from the university of Delaware. I am currently a project engineer at ATK, an aerospace company.

My job responsibility is to be the technical lead in building rocket motors. ATK in Elkton, MD is a leading supplier of solid propulsion. I work on two heritage programs that supply solid rocket motors for different military applications. Drawings have been generated to detail the parts, subassemblies, and final assemblies. It is my responsibility to make sure the parts and assemblies are being fabricated to these prints.

It is difficult to describe my job in a few words, so please let me know if you have other questions.

The industry is very dependent on the government's military budgets. A large portion of our work is missile defense. We fabricate several components in the SM-3 missile. This was the missile that shot down the satellite last year.

TechXplore 2008-2009, sponsored by the National Science & Technology Education Partnership (NSTEP).

www.TechXplore.org