Processing Information

Driving is not a simple task- the driver must continuously process new information and use that information to make correct decisions and judgements. Driving usually takes place under time constraints. The human processing system is limited in its ability to simultaneously process information from various sources under these constraints. While driving, the driver must divide his attention between events taking place on the road and events taking place elsewhere. Although driving is regarded as a simple task that does not require much effort, it has been found that many collisions could have been avoided had the driver been more attentive to critical events preceding the collision. While driving, a variety of situations and events distract us: some we hear and some we see. Sometimes we must selectively focus on a specific event and other times we are required to divide our attention among the various events taking place. When loaded with too much information, we must decide on which information to focus our attention and which to ignore. Then we must act in a way that we believe to be the best for the current situation.

Driving and Attention

The amount of attention that we can devote and the resources available to us vary from task to task. Driving fast on a highway will focus our attention on the act of driving itself, while driving more slowly on the same road will allow us to direct some of our attention to our surroundings. We can perform several other tasks at the same time. This example demonstrates the limits of a driver's attention resources and the degree to which they are affected by the environment.

Interaction with the Environment

In addition to attention skills, the driver must also have visual scanning skill and ability. Drivers receive most of their information visually, and have to make decisions and judgements based on that information. When we perceive information, our brain absorbs the information received through our senses and compares this information with knowledge we already have. Thus, drivers do not passively receive information, but rather drivers seek it out. The drivers' personality and beliefs, as well as preferences and needs, motivate them in their interactions with the environment. Our perception of the driving world is usually accurate, but if we are under stress, we may become confused.

Judgment In a Demanding Environment

Another main task in driving is the ability to make accurate judgements regarding speed, distance and reaction time. Perceiving events, making decisions about them and reacting to them, are all mental tasks that require time. In an emergency, it is crucial to make the right decision quickly. The more unexpected the event and the more inexperienced we are, the longer it takes us to process the information and to make a decision. Hopefully the decision is the correct one. If we receive training on risk perception we can improve. It has been found that the amount of experience or training one has in reacting to events, affects the difficulty experienced by that person when making decisions. Collisions may be avoided provided the drivers' capabilities are greater than the demands of driving at that moment, and provided they are able to process information from their surroundings and respond to it appropriately.

Based on:
Shinar, D. (1978). (Indiana University, USA/Ben Gurion University, Israel)Psychology on The Road - The Human Factor in Traffic Safety. Canada: Wiley & Sons, Inc.