Paul Messam, Gleaner Writer

The key to the entire operation of driving is the driver - how he/she thinks, acts and manages his/her motor vehicle. Author Zick Ruben describes psychology as the science of behaviour and mental processes. Psychology is probably the substance of our lives.

Therefore, there is more to the operation of a motor vehicle than entering it, and making the necessary manoeuvres to drive. The psychological factors can and will affect how we drive on our congested roads. "Driving is essentially an activity of the mind," says Dr Hame Persaud. "The body of the driver is important only in that they translate the impulses of our thoughts as we meet and attempt to solve the challenges of the road," he adds.

There are both positive and negative psychological factors that can have an effect on a driver's capabilities. On the negative side we find aggression. This display of energy usually impairs judgement. It can result in high-risk, low-gain driving manoeuvres that can enhance the potential for serious collisions.

Show-off attitude

Aggression can lead to over confidence in either a person's driving abilities or in the handling capabilities of a motor vehicle. The attitude of invincibility and the 'show-off' attitude should be shunned for the sake of defensive driving.

Some motorists also take the self-righteous posture that the law applies to others and not to themselves. Another negative psychological factor is impatience.

Impatient drivers are always in a hurry and feel that other drivers are preventing them from getting to where they want to go. Some drivers become bored as a result of the monotony of spending long hours behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.

Company vehicles

Some drivers also take the careless attitude that because it is the company's vehicle, it does not matter seriously how that vehicle is handled. In addition, a lack of preparation can cause a huge problem for drivers. As the maxim goes, "If you fail to prepare, then you prepare to fail."

Positive psychological factors affecting drivers include assertiveness. According to the Oxford Dictionary being assertive means, "forthright and positive". Being assertive shows confidence without being aggressive. When a driver is assertive, he/she can demonstrate his/her skills because he/she is aware of what he/she is doing and how to do it. He/she has nothing to prove.

Assertive drivers are characterised by exercising the right of way regardless of the situation. Patience is a virtue that can assist in the safe-driving task. The development of a more patient mindset will promote the ability to view a situation logically. Low-risk, high-gain manoeuvres would be adopted and, hence, lead to less possibility of a collision on our roads.