Inappropriate passenger manifestations may have a similar effect on the driver's concentration as he or she would be phoning or writing sms messages during the procedure. It is necessary to realize that, above all, a tense conversation or a quarrel represents a mental burden for every driver. This burden is closely related to the use of the speech center, but also the need for emotional alignment with a non-standard interpersonal situation.
The co-driver should respect the basic rule that the driver must fully focus on driving. Therefore, it is always necessary to take account of any driver's claim or complaint to the inappropriate behavior of the co-driver. "Do not talk while riding with a driver" strictly required billboards and buses in the past. Today, they are replaced by pictograms, as the prohibition of having fun while driving with persons transported is still valid under the Road Traffic Act (361/2000 Coll.) For the drivers of bulk transport .
The conversation during driving clearly demonstrates distracting the driver's attention, dividing it. The voice, words, sentences, questions and overall content of the message are perceived, classified and evaluated. A meaningful dialogue puts the same demands on both speakers, with the difference that the driver must also separate the remaining psychic disposition during the communication process for the safe operation of the vehicle. As mentioned above, bad news, stressful or otherwise emotionally demanding interviews, multiplies mental stress. This psychological burden drastically drives the driver's attention away from driving, reduces his ability to react quickly and correctly to the ever-changing traffic situation. There is an overall extension of the driver's reaction time, which is not only related to the length of the braking distance, but also to the ability to respond to cognitively acquired knowledge of the sudden change of the environment on the road.
In normal interpersonal dialogue, we usually maintain adequate eye contact. However, this does not apply to drivers who should have their own road, road signs, mirrors and other traffic information equipment in their field of view. In this context, it is unacceptable for the driver to rotate while traveling to the passengers sitting in the rear seats. Not only is the driver not driving, he also risks steering the steering wheel. As a result, a collision with the vehicle may occur in the opposite direction or the vehicle may slip out of the road with a possible impact on a firm obstacle. A typical example of this very dangerous behavior is communication with children, which often forces parents to listen to loud shouts or other forms of emotional pressure. For the children who understand our story, it is advisable to explain why you can not give them a toy, a drink, or whatever. If we want to increase the safety of ourselves and our children, it is necessary to obtain everything that is needed to satisfy them before driving. If this happens in the course of any complication, stop at a suitable location (right in the direction of travel as close as possible to the edge of the road - if this does not prohibit traffic signs).
Other "distractors" in a car can be pets. Especially when we let them move freely in the car. Give them the necessary comfort, but do not forget the basic safety guidelines. Under the Road Traffic Act, you must "secure the transported animal in such a way that it does not endanger the driver and the transported person" . Transport small animals in a transport box. If we transport large breeds of dogs, we place the animal in the luggage compartment of the vehicle, separated by a solid lattice partition. Another option for securing larger dog breeds is a special dog harness that can be clamped into the seat belt lock. It may seem too strict, but do not forget that in the event of a collision of the vehicle into a rigid obstacle, the total weight of any unsecured item increases as a result of the inertia. Clash of uninsured animal with other passengers during a traffic accident may end up tragically.
Tips for the correct behavior of the co-driver
* If the call favors the driver's attention, keep it, but avoid shouting and quarrels.
* Do not show the driver anything, especially with different calls like: "Hey! Look at it! " . Only violate this policy in a situation of imminent threat.
* Select only music that suits the driver fully. Loud or otherwise unpleasant music definitely does not benefit the driver's focus.
* With a large number of occupants in the vehicle, it is necessary to create a quiet and non-conflicting environment
Source: tz iBESIP.cz, edited editorially