REDUCED RISK DRIVING

A descriptive outline is presented of a course on the decision-making aspects of reduced-risk driving, in which major topics and subtopics readily lend themselves to both classroom and laboratory instruction. Driving is described as a risk-taking and a mental/physical activity. Driving risk is outlined under the following topics: the concept of risk, characteristics of risk in driving, guidelines for estimating risk, and principles of reduced-risk behavior. Perception is defined, and characteristics of human perception described. Perception of risk in driving is analyzed in terms of a mental exercise in risk perception, probability and consequences, organizing the perception of risk, visual search categories, and effective use of the eyes. The two important foundations upon which reduced-risk decisions must be built are discussed: application of the general principles of reduced-risk behavior, and the designation as most effective decisions those made and physically implemented before any danger occurs. In principle, risk is reduced when the probability of a dangerous event is reduced (both by the driver's operation of his own vehicle and actions he takes to influence the behavior of other drivers); the opportunity to manage a dangerous event is increased (by vehicle placement and selection of speed); and the consequences of any accident (or potential accident) are reduced. Specific guidelines are presented for implementing these principles.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Conference held in Washington, D.C., 18-23 May 1980. Also published in HS-029 680, International Motorcycle Safety Conference Proceedings. Volume 2, p 813-55.
• Corporate Authors:

  Motorcycle Safety Foundation

  780 Elkridge Landing Road
  Linthicum, MD  United States  21090
• Authors:
  • Carney, E
• Publication Date: 1980

Media Info

• Pagination: 43 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Behavior; Decision making; Drivers; Driving; Hazards; Perception; Risk assessment
• Uncontrolled Terms: Visual search
• Old TRIS Terms: Driver perception
• Subject Areas: Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00390501
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: HS-029 696
• Files: HSL, USDOT
• Created Date: Nov 30 1984 12:00AM