Highway Safe Driving Basic Knowledge

Author: Chief Editor: Fu Liyan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-05-01
Features:
Introduction This book introduces theoretical knowledge in highway engineering, human engineering, and automotive engineering. Compared to other types of books, this one has a distinct feature: it emphasizes the basic knowledge and practical details of highway driving. It is easy to understand and closely tied to real-world scenarios, making it convenient for to use the highway correctly and avoid various traffic accidents.
Target Audience: Motor vehicle drivers, highway management personnel at all levels, and driving school students.
Excerpt:
II. In contrast to is the fear of driving, some drivers have insufficient understanding of highways and are not well-informed about the functions and purposes of various safety facilities. After watching some educational TV examples of severe accidents on highways, they often harbor a certain fear while driving. When operating a vehicle, they feel uneasy, especially for those who are new to highways. Unfamiliar with driving rules and road conditions, they may drive with fear, often leading to rigid thinking, slow reactions, and reduced ability to analyze and judge, making it easier to make mistakes and significantly increasing the likelihood of traffic accidents. Therefore, when driving on highways, not only should the rules be followed, but the necessary knowledge for high-speed driving must also be fully mastered. Before entering high-speed driving, pay attention to the following two psychological preparations:
1. Do not set unrealistic driving plans When planning a trip, do not focus solely on speed and distance, but leave ample time for rest at rest stops along the way.
2. Adjust physical and mental state On highways, the monotonous road structure can lead to a loss of tension, especially when physical and mental state adjustment is insufficient due to fatigue or lack of sleep, sometimes resulting in the danger of falling asleep while driving. When the physical and mental state is not well-adjusted, it is advisable to rest before continuing the journey, but in most cases, the travel plan should be terminated.
Section II: The Impact of Drivers' Physiological States Driving in high-speed environments not only affects drivers' psychological states but also has a significant impact on their physiological states. The effects of high-speed driving on drivers' physiological states include:
1. Reduced Dynamic Vision of the Eyes When driving, the eyes focus on moving objects while the vehicle is in motion, which is known as dynamic vision. Dynamic vision decreases as speed increases, and this decline becomes more severe when fatigued. Excessive speed can cause a drop in dynamic vision, thereby increasing the risk. When driving, it is crucial to pay close attention to speed.
2. Narrowed Field of View The field of view from the driver's seat of a stationary vehicle is approximately 180°. The faster the speed, the narrower the field of view that the driver can confirm, narrowing to about 40° at 100 km/h. Moreover, during high-speed driving, the driver tends to focus on the distant, making distant objects clearer while near objects become blurred and difficult to confirm, so it is essential to pay special attention to speed.
3. Reduced Judgment Ability While driving on highways, initial tension accompanies a clear sense of speed. However, after getting accustomed to this monotonous driving, the tension fades, the sense of speed becomes dull, attention decreases, and awareness gradually declines. At the same time, due to the drop in dynamic vision, narrowed field of view, and reduced judgment ability during high-speed driving, it is particularly important not to excessively speed.
4. Disrupted Balance Sensation The balance sensation of the human body can be disrupted at high speeds. When standing and spinning rapidly in place, one may experience discomfort and instability, a phenomenon caused by the malfunction of the three semicircular canals in the inner ear, which regulate balance. The semicircular canals are highly unstable, so one should not rely on them too heavily. On highways, accidents often occur during turns, primarily due to the malfunction of the three semicircular canals at high speeds, causing drivers to experience illusions. Therefore, when driving on curved roads on highways, it is essential to reduce speed and maintain sufficient margins.