Fatigue, emotions, mobile phones and activity inside the vehicle can distract drivers from traffic. Traffic psychologist Pavel Řezáč discusses how to recognise distraction and respond to it safely.
Driving requires continuous attention. However, a driver's level of attention naturally fluctuates and can be affected by fatigue, emotions, stress, mobile phone use, vehicle controls or activity inside the vehicle. How can drivers recognise that they are no longer paying sufficient attention to traffic, and what should they do in such a situation? These were among the topics discussed by Pavel Řezáč, a traffic psychologist at the Transport Research Centre (CDV), in the BESIP podcast.
Attention behind the wheel cannot be taken for granted
One of the key topics of the interview was driver inattention. This does not only mean using a mobile phone while driving. Attention can also be diverted by thoughts about personal or work-related problems, emotionally demanding situations, conversations with passengers or operating vehicle functions.
A warning sign can be when a driver realises that they have not noticed traffic signs during the last few kilometres, cannot recall the surrounding traffic or are unsure about what is happening around them.
Fatigue also plays an important role. It can slow reactions and increase the risk of responding too late to an emerging situation. If drivers notice that their attention is declining significantly, they should not simply rely on being able to “make it to the destination”. A safer response is to stop in a suitable place, rest, or, on longer journeys, change drivers with a passenger.
Emotions also affect driving
The podcast also addressed how stress and emotions can influence driver behaviour. A car can create a sense of anonymity while also providing an environment in which emotions may be released. When drivers are in a hurry, try to save time or react to the behaviour of others, they may be more likely to adopt aggressive driving behaviour.
As with inattention, it is therefore important to be aware of one's own state before starting a journey. When dealing with a highly emotional situation, it is safer to put it aside and focus on driving.
Motorcyclists: seeing is not the same as noticing
Another part of the podcast focused on motorcyclist safety. Motorcyclists are vulnerable road users, and their presence can be more difficult for other drivers to notice.
Pavel Řezáč highlighted the difference between seeing a motorcyclist and actually noticing and processing their presence. A motorcyclist may be within a driver's field of view while the driver's attention is focused on another stimulus.
For all road users, predictable behaviour therefore remains important. Drivers should clearly indicate changes of direction or lane and take into account that a motorcyclist may be in a blind spot. Motorcyclists can similarly contribute to their own safety through predictable riding and by recognising that their vehicles can be more difficult for others to see.
The interview also touched on modern driver assistance systems and autonomous driving. Assistance systems are designed to help drivers in critical situations, but they do not remove the need to remain attentive and monitor the traffic environment.
What can drivers take away from the interview?
During every journey, it is worth paying attention not only to the traffic situation but also to our own condition. If a driver is tired, emotionally distressed or realises that they are no longer properly processing the traffic around them, the situation should be addressed – for example, by taking a break.
It is equally important to consider other road users, including motorcyclists. Safer mobility starts with attention, predictable behaviour and the ability to respond to the situation around us in time.
The BESIP podcast featuring Pavel Řezáč is available online. The interview provides a practical perspective on the factors affecting driver attention, how to respond to fatigue and emotions, and why, when sharing the road with motorcyclists, it is important not only to look but also to actively perceive the surrounding traffic.
Pavel Řezáč in podcast Hele, motorka!