Factors That Affect Our Ability To Drive

It is a well-documented fact that there are many external factors that can affect a driver's ability to drive safely. The most common are drink and drugs, however, there are other factors such as fatigue, the use of hand held devices and stress which can lead to a driver being involved in a road traffic collision.

The effects of drinking and driving are very well documented: It affects coordination, it slows reaction time, it affects a driver's perception of speed and distance and it affects levels of concentration.

In the past two decades, the number of fatalities on the roads caused by drink drivers has reduced significantly, particularly after 2007. There are, however still numerous casualties resulting from drink driving which in many cases may not result in a fatal road traffic collision but in a serious accident. Alcohol can also have an adverse effect on a driver even if the person is within the legal limits, lack of food as well as tiredness will have a considerable effect on how the alcohol affects us.

Drug driving is not as well documented yet as drink driving; however, it is medically known that the effects of driving under the effects of a controlled/ banned substance will emulate those of driving under the effects of alcohol. Until recently, it was difficult to ascertain at the roadside if a driver was driving under the influence of drugs, however, this is changing due to technological advances.

Stress is a another major influence on the way a driver reacts and the way they handle a situation, in some of the worst cases, this has led to incidents of road rage incidents.

The use of handheld devices has been banned in many countries, however, they continue to be used and the threat of being fined has statistically reduced the number of cases of drivers being caught driving whilst talking on the phone, it is still a relatively common occurrence.

Another widely recognised factor which has considerable influence on a driver's ability to judge situations correctly is fatigue. Fatigue has been known to cause a number of very serious road traffic collisions resulting in death as well as in serious injuries. The number of hours a lorry driver has been driving is easily monitored vie the use of taco graphs, however, monitoring how many hours a driver has been behind the wheel in a car or small van is near impossible unless it is fitted with a satellite tracking device. There are numerous signs throughout the UK warning drivers of the dangers of fatigue whilst driving.

These are just some key factors which can impair a driver's ability to make decisions whilst driving, this inability to be able to make correct judgements and decisions can have catastrophic results.

Simply Driving Lessons is a leading Surrey driving school covering the areas of Redhill, Reigate, South Nutfields, Horley, Merstham and surrounding areas. Offering some of the most competitive driving lessons rates in the local areas and impressive pass rates, they also have fully qualified ADI driving instructors including female driving instructors.

Simply Driving Lessons specialise in a range of driving courses and lessons including intensive driving courses, Check Test training, Pass Plus driving lessons as well as standard driving lessons for all learner drivers, no matter their age.

For high quality Surrey driving lessons make sure you choose a reputable driving school like Simply Driving Lessons.

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