Psychology 409A – Monday, November 14, 2005
 Oral Outline #3

By:  Tiffanie Jinbo
Driving Skills

 

Reference:  Rothe, Peter J.  “Driving Lessons.”  University of Alberta Press:  Alberta.  2002. Lonero, Lawrence;  “Driver Skill;”  219-230.

Instructions for this activity are found at:
www.soc.hawaii.edu/leonj/leonj/leonpsy23/409a-g23-oral.htm 
Instructor: Dr. Leon James

1.     Driver Skill Categories

a.     Attention is the “internal” predisposition to interact with the environment.  By deliberate action, attention may be controllable and automatic.  It is something that is developed and not a natural skill of humans.  Key skill factors in control of attention involves 1) pre-attentional screening of irrelevant targets and events; 2) allocating attention over the many driving tasks conducted simultaneously, and 3) switching the allocation of focused attention in appropriate ways. 

b.     Attention is a part of driving that we deal with daily.  In order to drive we need to pay attention.  It is important to pay attention to the environment around us, including the weather and drivers next to us. 

c.     Attention is skill that is acquired, once we realize that it is a skill that needs improvement then changes may occur.  Being able to screen out any distractions, such as a cell phone ringing or food that is dropped on the floor.  It is always more important to pay attention and keep focus. 

2.     How Important is Driving Skill?

a.     In terms of safety and efficiency, it is the performance capability and actual behavior that determines driving skill. 

b.     It is not only the technology improvement but the skill improvement that is important.  It was a recent study that they considered skill-improvement training having a positive effect.  I believe if you look online and study a majority of driver testing technologies, one will improve their driving skills. 

c.     Driving skills is important and a contributing factor in saving lives on the road.  Although some believe that an increased driving skill has negative outcomes, we are able to relate that it is more significant to increase the driving skills than to not teach at all.

3.     Driver Skill and Preparation in the Future

a.     Refers to the improvements made in driving to make it safer for those on the road as well as our sidewalks.  All improvements were made due to some type of error made in the past, and we all find improvements necessary for the longevity of our life. 

b.     It is important to know about the laws and rules of the safety in the road.  Every driver needs to gain a sense of skill in order to decrease error in events such as accidents and fender benders.  For us to know that there are resources available to make us aware of our driving skills is an improvement in the human world.  If you go online you are able to see that there are tests that determine your skill in driving.

c.     This part of the article was important and to prepare for our future is a fact that we need to increase awareness in our life.  Improvements such as antilock brakes are important because it saves lives. 

 

 

My Home Page:  http://www.soc.hawaii.edu/leon/409af2005/jinbo/home.htm 

The G23 Class Home Page:  www.soc.hawaii.edu/leonj/leonj/leonpsy23/classhome-g23.htm

 

Related Web Links: 

  1. http://www.drivingskillsforlife.com – Driving Skills for Life
  2. http://www.exploroz.com/OntheRoad/Skills/DriverTraining.asp  - 4 Wheel Drive Training
  3. http://www.aacap.org/publications/factsfam/76.htm  -  Help teens become better drivers