Differences among Drivers

As far back as the late 60's and early 70's, it was found that the connection between driving lessons, the driving test and future involvement in crashes is slight. In an attempt to develop reliable predictors of involvement in collisions, studies were carried out in the early 70's that were based on the idea that the information processing needed for driving is an ability that varies from person to person. Among other things, this process involves decision-making and multi-tasking. It was assumed that information processing might be a reliable predictor of involvement in collisions due to the extensive use we make of these abilities while driving.

Three Main Differences

Three main capabilities were examined as potential reliable predictors of collisions: (1) The ability to receive meaningful information from a complex background (perception style), (2) the ability to divide attention between different tasks, and (3) the response time when performing a complex task. The response time when performing complex tasks and the choices made, imply the existence of perceptive and physical components. In complex tasks such as driving, when the amount of information involved in decision - making increases (in relation to more simple tasks), the ability to perceive the information and choose the best response determines the value of the driver's decision - making process.

Individual differences exist in the ability to process information related to collisions. An attempt can be made to improve information processing after proper diagnosis. Also, supplements for driving lessons and practising of cognitive abilities may be useful.

Based on:
Mihal, W.L. (Rochester Institute of Technology), Barrett, G.V. (University of Akron) (1976). Individual differences in perceptual information processing and their relation to automobile accident involvement. Journal of Applied Psychology, Vol. 61(2), pp. 223 - 229.