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

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

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

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

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

5. Anger While Driving • 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.

6. 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 • Responsiblefor your passengers

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

8. 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!!

9. 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??