Conference Proceeding

The Influence of Conversation, Low-Dose Alcohol and Driving Experience on the Peripheral Vision System

Authors: Peter Langer (Infar Institute Tyrol) , M Kopp (University of Innsbruck, Austria) , B Holzner (University of Innsbruck, Austria) , W Magnet (Kuratrium fuer Verkehrssicherheit, Austria)

Abstract

The peripheral vision system plays a very important role in the orientation system. Its task is to detect information and select the relevant from the irrelevant. Many accidents happen when drivers miss important information because their visual field is reduced. One reason for such a reduction is that the driver focuses his attention on something that has nothing to do with his driving. When the cognitive system has insufficient attention at its command, it compensates by neglecting the peripheral vision system and focusing on the central field of vision. Consequently, every action which needs a high degree of attention poses a potential danger, because it reduces the visual field and may cause an accident.

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How to Cite: Langer, P. , Kopp, M. , Holzner, B. & Magnet, W. (2001) “The Influence of Conversation, Low-Dose Alcohol and Driving Experience on the Peripheral Vision System”, Driving Assessment Conference. 1(2001). doi: https://doi.org/10.17077/drivingassessment.1068