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Roadcraft The Police Drivers Handbook > Chapter 3 Information, Observation And Anticipation > Flashcards

Chapter 3 Information, Observation And Anticipation Flashcards

1
Q

Explain the processing of complex information? (4 steps)

A
  1. Input- you see a vehicle waiting to pull out at a junction
  2. Decision making
  3. Output- you slow down in case the driver does not see you
  4. Feedback
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2
Q

Explain input when processing complex information?

A
  • vision is the most important sense but you should learn to use all the senses
  • your brain uses your observations and information from your previous knowledge and experience that’s stored in your long-term memory - to build up a detailed mental map or picture of your situation.
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3
Q

Explain decision making when processing complex information?

A

Your brain compares this mental picture with situations from your experience, identifies what actions you took in the past and chooses a plan of action for the current situation.

You use several types of action
- anticipating how events are likely to unfold
- assessing the proposed plan for risk, noting hazards and grading them based on previous experience
- assessing your space, position, speed and gear

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4
Q

Explain output when processing complex information?

A

Take action- make an appropriate response

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5
Q

Explain feedback when processing complex information?

A

As you put your plan into action, your brain takes in new information and continuously checks it so that you can modify your actions at any time. Developing this ability to a high standard takes experience, practice, alertness and full concentration.

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6
Q

When information processing capacity is stretched, what can this lead to?

A
  • increased reaction time
  • errors of perception
  • a decreased focus of attention
  • issues with memory storage
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7
Q

What is reaction time?

A

Your reaction time is the time between gathering new information in about a Hazard and responding to it.

Reaction time = decision time + response time

Most drivers have a similar response time but they vary greatly in the amount of time they need to decide what to do

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8
Q

What is errors of perception?

A

In demanding situations like high-speed driving, it’s sometimes possible to misinterpret the information that you receive through your senses.

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9
Q

What are the 4 types of errors of perception?

A

Errors of judgement
Errors of hazard perception
Habit and expectancy
Regression effects

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10
Q

What are 5 tips to improve information processing?

A
  • regularly practice driving techniques and manoeuvres
  • sharpen your observation and perception and develop your situational awareness
  • use system of car control where possible
  • learn to hold on to important pieces of information until you need them by repeating them
  • try to avoid distraction so that your full attention is on the task at hand
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11
Q

What is anticipation?

A

Anticipation is the ability to identify hazards at the earliest possible opportunity

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12
Q

What are some examples of hazards?

A
  • physical features (e.g junctions, bends, road surface)
  • the position or movement of other road users (drivers, cyclists, pedestrians)
  • weather conditions (icy roads, poor visibility)
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13
Q

Explain the different senses.

A
  • sight
  • hearing (horn sounds, children)
  • smell (new mowb grass could mean slow moving grass cutting machinery)
  • physical sensations such as vibrations (shuddering from
    Road surface irregularities)
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14
Q

Explain planning?

A

Safer driving depends on systematically using the information you gather from observation to plan your driving action:
- anticipate hazards
- prioritise
- decide what to do

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15
Q

What’s the purpose of a plan?

A

The purpose of a plan is 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.

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16
Q

What is the 5 step plan?

A
  1. Observe
  2. Anticipate
  3. Prioritise
  4. Decide what to do
  5. Act
17
Q

How can you learn to anticipate hazards?

A
  • use of hazard perception training
  • through experience and self reflection
18
Q

How to prioritise hazards?

A

Where there are multiple hazards, deal with them in order of importance. The level of danger associated with particular hazards varies with:
- the hazard itself
- how close it is to you
- road layout
- whether the hazard is stationary or moving
- how fast you’re approaching it

The greater the danger, the higher the priority, but be ready to re- adjust your priorities as the situation develops

19
Q

Explain forward planning of hazards?

A

Look beyond the next hazard and consider what other hazards you can see.

20
Q

Explain scanning the environment?

A

Imagine your field of view as a picture- you can see the whole picture but you can only concentrate on one part of it at a time. This is why you need to develop the habit of scanning repeatedly and regularly

21
Q

Explain looking but not seeing?

A

What we see largely depends on what we expect to see. When we concentrate we don’t just look at a particular part of a scene, we look for particular types of objects in that scene. We more easily detect and react to objects that we expect to see. Cycles and motorcycles are a lot rarer than cars, therefore we don’t always expect to see them.

22
Q

What is peripheral vision?

A

Peripheral vision is the area of eyesight surrounding the central area of sharply defined vision.

  • gives you your sense of speed and your position on the road
  • registers the movement of other road users
  • acts as a cue for central vision, warning of areas to examine more closely

Learn to react to your peripheral vision as well as your central vision.

23
Q

Explain zones of visibility?

A

The road around you is made up of different zones of visibility. In some areas, you’ll have a good view and it others you’ll only be able to see things directly in front of you- for example at junctions in towns or in winding country lanes

24
Q

How does speed affect observation and anticipation?

A

The faster you go, the further you need to look. This is because as you drive fast, the nearest point at which you can accurately focus moves away from you. Foreground becomes blurred and observation becomes more difficult because you need to process information quicker. The way to deal with this is to scan further ahead, beyond the point where your eyes naturally come to rest, to give yourself more time to assess, plan and react.

25
Q

What is the safe stopping distance rule?

A

Always drive so you can stop safely within the distance you can see to be clear on your own side of the road

26
Q

Your safety and that of other road users depends on your own ability to accurately assess what is a safe speed. This depends on:

A
  • your driving capability
  • your awareness of human factors (E.g tiredness, stress, peer pressure)
  • vehicles capabilities
  • the road and weather conditions
27
Q

It’s easy to underestimate the speed at which you’re driving. This is because your perception of speed depends on:

A
  • the difference in detail perceived by your forward and side vision
  • engine, road and wind noice
  • the evenness of road
  • your idea of normal speed
  • the road- it’s width and whether it’s enclosed or open
  • your height of the ground
28
Q

Give examples of situations that could distort speed?

A
  • when you come off a motorway or fast road
  • low visibility
  • if you drive a vehicle that is smoother, quieter or more powerful than usual vehicle
  • on wide open roads
29
Q

What are two human factors that affect observation and anticipation?

A

Alertness and tiredness

30
Q

What are practical steps to combat tiredness?

A
  • adjust your seat so that your driving position is comfortable
  • enough ventilation to stay alert
  • take regular breaks
  • be aware that if you have several caffeine drinks over a long period, each does of caffeine will have less effect
  • on long journeys plan a series of rest breaks
  • physical exercise helps recover from fatigue
31
Q

Name some other physiological factors that affect observation and anticipation?

A
  • minor illness
  • medication
  • residual blood alchol
  • low blood sugar arising from hunger
  • cyclical mood swings caused by hormone changes
  • life stress such as bereavement

Roadcraft The Police Drivers Handbook (12 decks)

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