Analysis: Driver's focus narrows when help is at hand

Published on Sunday 14 August 2011 20:10

More and more concern is being voiced about driver distraction due to the increasing use of mobile phones and other technologies in vehicles.

A driver is distracted when he or she pays attention to a second activity while driving. People cannot always safely multi-task in this way, especially if the second activity is time-consuming or complex.

Cognitive distraction - such as chatting on a mobile phone - causes drivers to look at their mirrors, instrument panel and what's happening outside the car much less; instead they concentrate their observations straight ahead, and so are more likely to detect hazards later.

Worryingly, these drivers underestimate the effects distraction has on them, and do not perceive their reduced awareness of potential hazards.

Drivers who are distracted also have difficulty controlling their speed and their distance from the vehicle in front, and their lane position can vary drastically. Research has shown that drivers are also more likely to accept a higher level of distraction if they judge the distracting activity to be relevant to the driving - say for example, navigating.

Drivers must understand that the consequences could be dire. As far as the law is concerned, a distracted driver could be charged with a range of offences - dangerous driving, careless and inconsiderate driving, failure to be in proper control of the vehicle- depending on how badly the distraction affected their driving.

• Kathleen Braidwood is RoSPA road safety officer for Scotland.