How attitude, emotion, behaviour and decision-making affect driving

Driving safely depends on more than vehicle control. Human factors play a major role in collision risk, particularly among young and inexperienced drivers.

How human factors play a major role in driving

Graduated Drivers Licesnsing (GDL) places greater emphasis on helping learners understand how their thoughts, feelings and behaviours can influence driving performance.

Attitude

A driver's attitude affects how they approach risks, follow road rules and interact with other road users.

A positive attitude encourages responsible choices, patience and consideration for others.

Emotion

Strong emotions such as anger, excitement, stress or frustration can affect concentration and judgement.

Learning to recognise and manage emotions can help drivers make safer decisions behind the wheel.

Behaviour

Behaviours such as speeding, distraction, failing to wear a seatbelt or driving under pressure from passengers can significantly increase collision risk.

GDL encourages drivers to identify and avoid behaviours that compromise safety.

Decision-making

Safe drivers continually assess risks and make decisions about speed, road position, following distance and reactions to hazards.

Experience improves these skills, which is why GDL focuses on gradual learning and supervised practice.

By helping learners understand the connection between attitude, emotion, behaviour and decision-making,

GDL aims to produce drivers who are not only competent, but also safe, responsible and prepared for independent driving.

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