Distraction >>>>
Audio commentary:
One of the main benefits of driving is that it widens your range of travel, therefore opening opportunities to go places that have so far been inaccessible. Suddenly you have the means to get to the Tamworth Snowdome, Passion in Coalville or that tricky midweek FA Cup replay at Slough Town. And you’re not going to go alone.
>> Responsible Passengers
Up until you pass your test you are travelling in a controlled environment. Driving with an instructor you have the safety net of dual controls. And even when practicing with your folks or friends, they will be experienced drivers who will maintain a calm air about them.
As soon as the L Plates are off, it's a different story. The people in the car will still be telling you how to drive, but their barks and leers will no longer be constructive. You may also find their demands a little unreasonable. "I want you to pull in at the kerb and turn the car round using forward and reverse gears" will be replaced by orders such as "Beep at that stranger", "Drive past her again" or "Race the Ferrari!"
That’s not the only distraction. While you're driving your mates will be having their usual fun and games, which you aren't able to join in with. The desire to take part will draw your concentration away from the task of driving, making you and everyone else in the car susceptible to a crash.
>> FOUR TYPES OF DISTRACTION
There are four types of distraction that you can witness while driving;
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> Visual distraction occurs when a driver sees objects or events that impairs the driver's observations of the road environment. Your passenger passing chips to the back of the car could interrupt your peripheral vision. A magazine in the rear view mirror might catch your eye. Your mate behind you might even wave his hands in front of your face (friends can be stupid like that sometimes).
Naturally if your eyes are drawn to this activity they are not on the road ahead. Travelling at 30mph means your car is moving at over thirteen metres per second. That’s thirteen metres in the time it's taken you to check out the eye candy your mate has pointed out walking along the street.
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>> Cognitive (that means brain) distraction occurs when a driver is thinking about something not related to driving the vehicle. Basically anything that your mates are talking about while you’re driving. While your brain is visualising the antics of your mate the night before, or the fantastic goal he scored at five-a-side, it does not process what your eyes are looking at. This is one reason why driving while talking on a mobile phone, regardless as to whether it is hands free, is still considered by some to be dangerous.
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>>> Biomechanical distraction occurs when a driver is doing something physical that is not related to driving, for example, reaching for something and being out of the driving position, or holding an item. If you’ve just pulled out of the drive-through and the rest of the car are eating, you’ll be tempted to join in before your food either goes cold or gets eaten by your inconsiderate (or considerate, depending on your waistline) buddies. Your passenger’s insistence in constantly retuning the radio may have you reaching for the dial instead. Handling other objects means you’re not fully in control of the car, which will become a problem if you suddenly need to react to a new or dangerous situation.
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>>>> Auditory (ears) distraction is caused when sounds prevent drivers from making the best use of their hearing, because their attention has been drawn to whatever caused the sound i.e. your mates’ laughter, jokes, problems or banal stories. Driving requires you to hear as well as see where you are going. With constant excited chatter or loud music filling the car you may be unaware of emergency service vehicles, other vehicles requiring your attention or warning sounds in your car (be they alarms or the sound of things falling off).
>> Dealing with Distraction
Dealing with distraction is a difficult task. By telling your mates to keep quiet you're running the risk of looking like a plank. It might be worth having a quiet word with your most trusted mate and tell them that you find driving difficult when others are in the car. Hopefully they'll lead by example on the next journey. You can also lead by example yourself when you are next a passenger. Keep the noise down to a minimum and encourage other people in the car to give the driver some slack.
> As soon as you find yourself becoming distracted then retrain your focus on the road. Start to concentrate on road signs, the car in front or potential hazards ahead.
> Don't be drawn into conversation or distracting behaviour.
> Designate tasks to other passengers before you start driving. Tell the front seat passenger that they are DJ for the journey, handing over the responsibility of finding a different radio station, picking a new CD or sorting the playlist from your iPod.
> Ensure you know exactly where you are going before you set off to unfamiliar places and ensure you have a Plan B.
> Know where you plan to park and make sure the car parks are open for the entirety of your visit.
> Last minute changes will create unnecessary pressure and give you more to worry about than simply driving.
> If you're travelling to an event then give yourself plenty of time to accommodate detours and traffic. You'll be feeling responsible to get everyone there on time and this will add to the pressure of driving.
> If your mates are persistently distracting then don't drive with them again. You are the one doing them a favour and they need to respect this if they want lifts in the future.
