Distraction/concentration
Why is distraction so dangerous?
Driver distraction and lack of attention play a role in 20-30% of all crashes. Attention for the driving task can slacken because:
- the driver is doing other things such as phoning, tuning the radio, listening to the radio, talking to a passenger, or eating while driving (see also Using the mobile phone);
- something inside or outside the car draws the attention, such as a crash on the other carriageway, an eye-catching person on the pavement, a striking poster on the roadside, or a wasp in the car (see also Advertising and information);
- The driver is thinking about other matters or daydreaming, without any specific external influence and without fatigue being involved. In this case it's loss of concentration (see also Concentration problems).
When motorists aren't fully concentrated on driving, their reaction time is longer, they do not observe their surroundings as well, and they brake later and with greater force. These effects also occur when the phone is ised while driving. Moreover, motorists who phone while driving adapt less to other road users and dangerous circumstances such as sliperiness. The effect of advertising signs along the roadside has not yet been thoroughly studied, but they certainly don't increase attention to driving.
For more details, see the fact sheets:
Concentration problems behind the wheel (pdf)
Advertising and information alongside the road (pdf)
Use of mobile phone while driving (pdf)