- Is it a fixed type, such as a
junction or a bend?
- Is it a moving hazard such as
a vehicle or a pedestrian?
- How fast are the other road
users moving?
- How fast are you moving?
- Does the weather affect the
visibility or condition of the road surface?
Our ability to interpret such
situations and make the right decision relies on factors such as:
Visual
Capability
Excellent reflexes and good vehicle
control is useless if the eyesight is poor, affecting the ability to
see properly and make satisfactory distance judgements and the
ability to see in poor weather conditions and at night. Drivers with
low luminance myopia will also find it difficult to see ahead in
dark conditions.
Level Of
Alertness
Having our sense affected by
fatigue, drinking alcohol, consuming drugs, or driving if we are
unwell or upset, will reduce our risk of perception.
Distraction
Anyone can be distracted such as
when the kids on the rear seats are squabbling and one has just
dropped an ice cream on your upholstery. Another distraction factor
is one which we are all familiar with - having a conservation with
passengers or on a mobile phone.
Assumptions
Familiarity can cause drivers to
pay less attention to roads, which they frequently use. Also, if our
perception of improved roads and better cars make us feel safer,
then we readily take more risks. For example, where cars are fitted
with ABS, drivers tend to driver faster, take more chances, and use
their brakes more heavily.
Experience
Young drivers are still in the
learning mode. While they may see something earlier than a mature
driver they perceive less risk than more experienced drivers and
have a tendency to underestimate reaction time and breaking
distance.
Depth Perception
All
drivers need to develop a sound ability to accurately judge the
speed and distance of approaching traffic.
Vehicle
Characteristic
In an
unfamiliar vehicle you must still perform the cockpit drill such as
checking the minor controls and instruments and making a brake test.
Looking away from the road to find a control while driving will at
least double or treble the reaction time and any panicking will
impair the decision making process.
Perception Of Risk And
Safety
Once we have
passed the test, our driving style is influenced and modified by
real world motoring practices. For instances, the majority of
drivers find it acceptable to drive in excess of speed limits. This
suggests that with confidence, our perception of speed changes and
limits can become a source of frustration. We know that the higher a
car's speed, the longer it will take to come to a full stop.
Attitude
Knowing all the factors is pointless
without having the right attitude. Many drivers who are too
fast, aggressive ad inconsiderate do not perceive themselves as
being unsafe. They are happy the way they drive. Cultivating the
right attitude is vital towards becoming a safer driver and the only
person who can cultivate the right attitude in yourself is you.
Article contributed by AAM