Hazard Perception Theory Flashcards

What is 'tunnel vision' and why is it dangerous when driving?

Answer: The tendency under stress to focus on a central hazard while missing peripheral threats

Tunnel vision under stress causes the driver to fixate on one hazard and fail to perceive secondary hazards at the periphery of their view, increasing the risk of missing a critical threat.

How should the scanning technique be applied on urban roads with many junctions?

Answer: Use a continuous scanning pattern: far ahead, near ahead, mirrors, sides, repeating constantly

Continuous scanning ensures the driver updates their mental picture of all road users' positions, predicts conflicts and identifies developing hazards before they become emergencies.

Why is the 'what if?' question a valuable teaching tool for ADIs?

Answer: It trains pupils to anticipate potential hazards by imagining the worst credible outcome of each road situation

Asking 'what if that child runs out?' or 'what if the parked van moves off?' encourages pupils to plan for potential problems rather than reacting only to actual events.

How does driving on a motorway at night differ from daytime in terms of hazard perception?

Answer: Visibility is reduced and fatigue risk is higher; debris, animals and stationary vehicles are harder to detect

Night driving on motorways reduces visibility to headlight range, makes debris and obstacles harder to see, and increases fatigue risk, all of which increase the risk of a high-speed collision.

What role does 'system of car control' (IPSGA) play in hazard perception?

Answer: It provides a structured approach to approaching hazards: Information, Position, Speed, Gear, Accelerate

IPSGA (Information — Position — Speed — Gear — Accelerate) is the systematic method for approaching hazards safely, ensuring the driver acts in the correct order to manage any hazard.

Why should ADIs teach pupils to check mirrors more frequently in slow-moving congested traffic?

Answer: Because motorcyclists and cyclists may be filtering alongside, increasing the risk of a collision when changing position

In slow traffic, motorcyclists and cyclists frequently filter between lanes; regular mirror checks allow the driver to detect them before changing position and avoid a collision.