Pavel Řezáč from CDV was a guest on the show "Coffee at Four," where he spoke about driving in the spring, fatigue behind the wheel, and risks that drivers often underestimate.
Pavel Řezáč, a traffic psychologist at the Transport Research Centre, was a guest on the program Káva o čtvrté on Český rozhlas Dvojka, where he spoke about the specifics of spring traffic and the risks this season poses for drivers and other road users.
In the interview, he pointed out that spring marks the return of various groups of road users—such as motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians—which places greater demands on attention and awareness of the situation on the road. At the same time, he noted that among the most serious causes of traffic accidents in the long term are speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Another important topic was fatigue behind the wheel, which can significantly increase reaction time and raise the risk of an accident. Drivers often underestimate this risk.
On the road, we drive according to who we are—not only based on our skills, but also on how well-rested we are, our mental state, and our ability to concentrate. Even a brief lapse in attention or fatigue can significantly increase reaction time and determine how we handle a situation.
PhDr. Pavel Řezáč, Ph.D., MBA, Director of the Division of Transportation Technologies and Human Factors
The interview also included recommendations on how to prepare for spring driving—such as gradually getting back behind the wheel after winter, being more considerate of vulnerable road users, and carefully assessing one’s own condition before driving.