Using your Eyes Effectively

Gathering information with your eyes is called visual perception. Safe driving depends on your ability to notice many things at once. In order to avoid last minute moves and spot possible traffic hazards, you should always look down the road ahead of your vehicle and constantly keep your eyes moving to scan all angles of your car using the mirrors.

Types of Vision and How They're Used While Driving

Central Vision

Our central vision covers about three degrees of our visual field. The three degrees of central vision is a very small area in your total field of vision. Central vision allows us to make very important judgments like estimating distance and understanding details in the path ahead.

Peripheral Vision

Our peripheral vision, or side vision, covers everything our central vision does not. Peripheral vision is not as sharp as central vision, but it is more sensitive to light and motion. That's a good thing because it helps us detect events to the side that are important to us, even when we're not looking directly at them. Events like cars entering our field of vision from the side, or warning lights from ambulances, police cars, and other emergency vehicles are all observed using peripheral vision.

How to Use Your Eyes for Safer Driving

Central vision plus side vision make up the entire visual field, which is the main source of information that all drivers need for safe driving. Most driving mistakes are caused by bad habits in the way drivers use their eyes.

1. Aim High - Look Ahead

In order to avoid last minute moves and spot possible traffic hazards, you should always look down the road ahead of your vehicle. When you are looking far enough ahead in your travel path, you will be able to spot hazards early and you will be well-prepared to react to them.

Look ahead for signs of trouble. Watch the brake lights of cars both ahead of you and in other lanes, and check the space between your car and other vehicles. Start braking early if you see traffic ahead of you slowing down.

2. Keep Your Eyes Moving

Use your rearview mirror and side view mirrors every three to five seconds. After a quick check of the mirrors or a fast look over your shoulder to check the rear, return your attention to the path immediately ahead of you. Don't stare. If there is no immediate problem in the path ahead, check the mirrors or look over your shoulder again as needed.

It is very important to check behind you before you change lanes, slow down quickly, back up, or drive down a long or steep hill.

Check traffic behind you often. This way, you will know if cars are tailgating or coming up behind you too fast. You may have time to get out of the way before being hit from the rear.

You should also glance at your instrument panel often to ensure there are no problems with the vehicle and to verify your speed. Determine what your gauges tell you and then quickly return your attention to your path of travel.