Information Processing Attention, Perception, Reaction Time, and Comprehension

In this chapter I try to illustrate how the component processes of the information-processing model presented in Chapter 3 apply to our abilities to handle the driving requirements, and how they affect the way we drive. The driving task involves both conscious and unconscious processes, automated and controlled processes, and various biases that are based on our expectations, as they evolve through multiple experiences with the roadway traffic system. 

In the context of safety, the two most common actions that a driver must execute quickly in response to a sudden emergency situation include steering away from the obstacle (when an escape route is available), and braking so as to stop in time to avoid a collision. The time it takes to perform all the component processes involved in these tasks is known as perception 

A significant percent of all crashes are attributed to delayed recognition of the imminent danger (see Chapter 17). This means that either the critical event or object was not recognized at all before the crash or the perception reaction time was delayed to such an extent that by the time the driver responded to the situation it was too late. In this chapter we discuss the impact of the attention process and decision process on the perception reaction time. We then focus on some specific situations that require very specific information processing capabilities such as maintaining a safe headway and passing other vehicles. Finally we discuss the issue of comprehension of various symbols to which we have to attend - in and out of the vehicle. 

In the following sections I wiW try to summarize our knowledge in how we allocate our attention, how we visually search for the most relevant pieces of information, how we process the information from roadway signs and in-vehicle symbols, and what determines the extent that we comprehend them. I will then discuss how we apply these skills to two basic driving tasks - following and passing other vehicles - and the relationship between our skills in driving and our safety. 

Information processing levels looking, attending, acting and recalling 

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Driver Information Processing Attention, Perception, Reaction Time and Comprehension... 

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