Helpful Driving Information

USING YOUR EYES EFFECTIVELY

Gathering information with your eyes is called visual perception. Safe driving depends on your ability to notice many things at once.
To get the right information to the brain, a drivers eyes have to move constantly and pick out the appropriate spots at the right time.

USING YOUR EYES EFFECTIVELY

Our eyes provide two types of visions:

• Central vision
• Peripheral or side vision

USING YOUR EYES EFFECTIVELY

Our central vision covers about three degrees of our visual field and peripheral vision, or side vision, covers the rest. The three degrees of central vision is a very small area in your total field of vision. But central vision allows us to make very important judgments like estimating distance and understanding details in the path ahead.

USING YOUR EYES EFFECTIVELY

Our peripheral vision is not as sharp as central vision, but it is more sensitive to light and motion. That's a good thing because it helps us detect events to the side that are important to us, even when we're not looking directly at them. Events like cars entering our field of vision from the side, or warning lights from ambulances, police cars, and other emergency vehicles are all observed using peripheral vision.

USING YOUR EYES EFFECTIVELY

Central vision plus side vision make up the entire visual field, which is the main source of information that all drivers need for safe driving. Most driving mistakes are caused by bad habits in the way drivers use their eyes.

USING YOUR EYES EFFECTIVELY

1. AIM HIGH—Look ahead, not down. The experienced drivers attention is focused on the road ahead with his or her central vision following the intended path of travel.
2. KEEP YOUR EYES MOVING—A good driver concentrates on selecting details in the traffic scene.
3. GET THE BIG PICTURE—Search the whole scene; check the rearview mirrors.
Source: Using Your Eyes Effectively, a movie by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety

VISUAL SEARCH CATEGORIES

The length of time it takes a driver to identify a situation is called perception time. Perception time depends on visibility, the drivers physical condition, and the road situation. Effectively scanning the road ahead will shorten your required perception time.
You can improve your ability to gather information by grouping like items into four basic categories discussed in the next slides.

VISUAL SEARCH CATEGORIES
1. Signs, Signals, and Roadway Markings

These items provide for orderly movement of traffic. They help you make safe driving decisions by informing you of the condition of the road ahead of you.

VISUAL SEARCH CATEGORIES
2. The Highway

Look for objects on the road and in the area bordering the road that could possibly cause a collision. If there is a problem ahead, look for another path you can take to avoid a hazardous situation.

VISUAL SEARCH CATEGORIES
3. Motorized Vehicles

It can be difficult to gather good information about other motorized vehicles. Cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses all handle and react differently to road conditions. Watch out for other drivers who do not have full control of their vehicles because of excessive speed or unnecessary lane changes. Adjust your speed and position to protect yourself against their possible actions. Remember that some drivers are less predictable than others.

VISUAL SEARCH CATEGORIES
4. Non-Motorized Highway Users

Pedestrians, bicycles, and animals belong to this group. They are the most vulnerable users of the highways and should be watched carefully whenever they come near a roadway.

IPDE PROCESS AND DEFENSIVE DRIVING

Identify, Predict, Decide, and Execute (IPDE): This is the step-by-step process behind the principles of defensive driving and complexities of visual perception in traffic. Driving is such a regular part of our lives that we're often figuratively asleep at the wheel.
IPDE is an organized thinking and acting process that you should use over and over again when you are driving.

IPDE PROCESS AND DEFENSIVE DRIVING

The four steps of the IPDE process are:
I—Identify—Locate potential hazards within the driving scene.
P—Predict—Judge where the possible points of conflict may occur.
D—Decide—Determine what action to take, when, and where to take it.
E—Execute—Act by maneuvering the car to avoid conflicts.

IPDE PROCESS AND DEFENSIVE DRIVING

IPDE can help you avoid collisions. Take a moment to think through the IPDE process and how you should use it while driving. IPDE can help you become a defensive driver.

SCANNING THE ROAD

In order to avoid last minute moves and spot possible traffic hazards, you should always look down the road ahead of your vehicle. When you are looking far enough ahead in your travel path, you will be able to spot hazards early and you will be well-prepared to react to them.

SCANNING THE ROAD

Look ahead for signs of trouble. Watch the brake lights of cars both ahead of you and in other lanes. Start braking early if you see traffic ahead of you slowing down.

SCANNING THE ROAD

Also check the space between your car and any vehicles in the lane next to you. Use your rearview mirror and side view mirrors every three to five seconds. After a quick check of the mirrors or a fast look over your shoulder to check the rear, return your attention to the path immediately ahead of you. Don't stare. If there is no immediate problem in the path ahead, check the mirrors or look over your shoulder again as needed.

SCANNING THE ROAD

It is very important to check behind you before you change lanes, slow down quickly, back up, or drive down a long or steep hill.
Check traffic behind you often. This way, you will know if cars are tailgating or coming up behind you too fast. You may have time to get out of the way before being hit from the rear.

SCANNING THE ROAD

You should also glance at your instrument panel often to ensure there are no problems with the vehicle and to verify your speed. Determine what your gauges tell you and then quickly return your attention to your path of travel.