IP2.8.4 Factors affecting thinking distance – reaction time

© Oxford University Press 2011

Factors affecting thinking distance – reaction time

IP2.8.4 Factors affecting thinking distance – reaction time

© Oxford University Press 2011

There are many factors that can affect the thinking distance; they are all related to the driver’s reaction time.

Can you think of some factors that will affect how quickly a driver reacts? How tired they are Whether they have been drinking alcohol Whether they have taken any illegal drugs Whether they have taken some types of prescription or

over the counter drugs Whether they are distracted by music or using a mobile

phone Whether they are distracted by other people in the car

IP2.8.4 Factors affecting thinking distance – reaction time

© Oxford University Press 2011

All those factors can slow down a driver’s reaction time, even to the point where they don’t even realise that they need to stop at all.

Remember, it is not just illegal drugs that can slow a person’s reactions; some medicines bought over the counter can also make people drowsy and therefore increase the time it takes them to react to things.

The authorities have banned using handheld mobile phones while driving because they are dangerous but using Sat Nav devices, for example, can also distract the driver.