Reducing Collisions by Improving Drivers Hazard Perception

Reducing Collisions by ImprovingHazard Perception

Michael BraggPresident, BrightFleet.com

BrightFleet.com – “Reducing Collisions by Improving Drivers Hazard Perception”

All bad drivers please raise your hands.


Most people believe they are more highly skilled than other drivers.


When asked to rate their chances of having a crash in the next 12 months, most people think that they are less at

risk than other drivers.


Drivers make over 200 decisionsper mile.


Drivers of company vehicles are more likely to be involved in crashes than

private motorists.


Driver error is cited as a major contributing factor in roughly 90% of all

reported traffic crashes.


44% Failed Hazard Perception

23% Distracted While Driving

21% Driving Too Fast for Road Conditions


Technology can not yet replace human judgment in preventing crashes.


Volvo S90 with Automatic Braking System failed to stop the car before colliding with a parked truck during a product demonstration.


What is Hazard Perception?


“Scanning and perceiving potentially dangerous situations in time, and being able to predict the way in which traffic

situations will develop...in order to take action to avert the danger.”

Institute for Road Safety ResearchLeidschendam, the NetherlandsFebruary 2010


Detection of looming hazard

Threat appraisal

Selection of actions to avert hazard

Implementation of actions chosen


Detection of Looming Hazards

What do drivers look at while driving?

How do they scan the traffic situation?

Are they looking for hidden hazards?


Threat Appraisal

Evaluating seriousness of hazard.

Predicting threat of collision.


Selection of Action to Avert Hazard

Finding a safe “out” to avoid collision.

Considering risks of actions taken.

Determining best action to take.


Implementation of Action to Avoid Crash

Braking, Slowing, Changing Lanes,Signaling


These four processes are not independent of each other, but instead

are evaluated together.

Groeger, J.A. (2000). Understanding Driving; Applying cognitive psychology to a complex everyday task. Psychology Press, Routledge.


Drivers “feel” hazardous situations when they perceive them.


This emotional response to “near miss” events is believed to form a lasting impression in the drivers memory.


These memories form an unconscious influence during complex hazard

detection and threat appraisal scenarios.


Improving Hazard Perception


Driver Experience


Computer Based Training

The most effective hazard perception training involves presenting drivers with

images and videos taken from the drivers perspective and asking the

driver to identify the hazards as they appear.


Drivers are asked to identify hazards, either by identifying explicit hazards as they appear, or by predicting potential hazards based on the events unfolding

before them.


Drivers are asked to identify hazards, either by identifying explicit hazards as they appear, or by predicting potential hazards based on the

events unfolding before them. Drivers are asked to identify hazards, either by identifying

explicit hazards as they appear, or by predicting potential hazards based on the events unfolding

before them.

Stress of training adds to retention of the training material.


Driving Simulators

Hazard perception training using active driving simulators is still in its infancy, with several systems currently being

developed.


Regular Driving Lessons

Hazard perception can be trained during regular driving lessons if the trainer is “thinking out loud” about

hazards both actual and potential during the training.


Identifying Drivers with Poor Hazard Perception Abilities


Hazard Perception Evaluation

Evaluating a drivers ability to perceive hazards can be done quickly across an

entire company of drivers using specialized web-based exam. Tailored

training can be assigned.


Self Assessment

Questionnaire that asks to self-identify beliefs about driving, risk taking behaviors, and driving record.


DMV or DOT Driving Record

Review MVRs for your drivers to get a sense of risk.


Michael BraggPresident, BrightFleet.com

[email protected]

www.BrightFleet.com


Reducing Collisions by Improving Drivers Hazard Perception

Leadership & Management

Transcript of Reducing Collisions by Improving Drivers Hazard Perception