Chapter 14 Effects of Driver Condition Emotions & Driving Physical Senses &Driving

How do emotions affect our driving?? Mentally Mentally—strong emotions can increase chances of making a mistake, can affect your judgment, and it can narrow your focus Physically Physically –heartbeat increases, breathing quickens, muscles tighten

Anger While Driving 1—sad, extremely tired 10—angry, extremely upset 5– even keeled Example: A driver cuts you off, doesn’t signal, brakes hard and turns sharply causing you to brake hard.

Anger While Driving 1—especially sad or extremely tired 10—very angry, extremely upset, late for work/appointment, incredibly excited 5– emotionally stable, not late, not angry, not sad, not overly tired Reaction: Driver may swear, tailgate, follow, honk, intentionally crash into vehicle Driver might role their eyes, laugh then move on Driver may swear, tailgate, follow, honk, intentionally crash into vehicle

If driver does react, anger usually occurs first Can range from mild to severe road rage Can affect ability to see important clues while driving. Anger While Driving

Other Affects While Driving Passengers – If you are a passenger avoid saying or doing something that might distract driver – Discourage driver from reckless actions Driver – Take control, be a leader – Responsible for your passengers

Other Affects While Driving Risk Taking – Responsible drivers do not let emotions make them take unnecessary risks – Taking chances could be DEADLY

Risk Management Anything that distracts you from using senses rather than the driving task, you will increase your chance of collision. Distractions – Driver must focus on task at all times!!

Controlling Emotions Anticipate situations— ex. heavy traffic, don’t be late Don’t challenge aggressive driver Adjust route for less traffic If tired, make special effort to control emotions Be courteous Is it worth risking a life??