Chapter 3 Flashcards
Processing complex information (while driving)
Input > decision making > output > feedback
Input
Vision - other senses (hearing, smell, physical sensations)
Surroundings
Situation
Previous knowledge
Previous experience
Decision making
Anticipating how events are likely to unfold
Assessing the proposed planfor risk, noting hazards and grading them based on previous experience
Assessing your space, position, speed and gear
Output
Take action - make an appropriate response
Feedback
Review information and continuously check to modify actions at any time if required.
Limitations to processing information at any one time
Reaction time
Errors of perception
Attention span
Memory storage
Reaction time
= Decision time + response time
Errors of perception
Errors of judgement
Habit and expectancy
Regression effects (in unfamiliar vehicle -pre driving check)
What is a hazard
Anything that is an actual or potential danger
3 types of hazard
Physical features (Junctions, bends, road surfaces)
Position or movement of other road users (Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians)
Weather conditions (Icy road, poor visibility)
Senses
Vision/sight - most important sense for observation while driving.
Hearing - (horn sounds, children)
Smell - (fresh cut grass possible slow moving vehicles)
Physical Sensations - (Vibration, juddering, surface irregularities)
Planning - Safer driving.
Observe Anticipate hazards prioritise decide what to do act
Purpose of of the plan to put you
In the correct position
At the correct speed
With the correct gear engaged
At the correct time
-To negotiate hazards safely and efficiently
Observation
Scan environment
Looking but not seeing
Peripheral vision
Zone of visibility
Anticipate hazards
Anticipating hazards give extra time to react safely
Prioritise hazards
Deal in order of importance
Level of danager varies with: The hazard itself How close it is to you Road layout Whether the hazard is stationary or moving How fast you are approaching it
The greater the danger the higher the priority
Decide what to do
What you can see
What you can’t see
What you might reasonably expect to happen
Which hazards represent the greatest risk
What to do if things turn outdifferently from expected (coningency plans)
Safe stopping distance
Always drive so you can stop safely within the distance you can see to be clear on your own side of the road.
Safe stopping distance
Speed Stopping Distance 20mph 12 Meters / 40 Feet 30mph 23 Meters / 75 Feet 40mph 36 Meters / 118 Feet 50mph 53 Meters / 175 Feet 60mph 73 Meters / 240 Feet 70mph 96 Meters / 315 Feet
Speed and safety
Drivers who drive fast regardless risk of collision is 3 - 5 times greater.
Your safety and that of other road users depends on your ability to assess safe speed which depends on
Your driving capability
Your awareness to human factors
Vehicle capabilities
The road and weather conditions
Underestimating speed
The difference in detail perceived by your forward and side vision.
Engine, road and wind noise
The evenness of the road
Your idea of “normal” speed
The road - it’s width and whether it is enclosed or open
Your height off the ground
Human factors that affect observation and anticipation
Alertness
Tiredness
Physiological e.g medication, illness
