How To Manage Concentration?

[jcochrane]

On another thread commentary driving has come up and how it helps some to concentrate.
I guess most know the mantra “Concentration leads to Observation that leads to Planning and it all starts with Concentration”

So concentration is probably the most important aspect to driving. I read an article a few months ago that discussed the fact that is impossible to keep concentration at a constant level but that it would swing up and down and that maximum concentration could only be maintained for a short time.

That got me thinking and looking at my own driving I wondered how I managed this problem. What I realised was that my approach was that I constantly searched for reasons to slow or stop. When I found a reason I deliberately raised my level of concentration and only allowed it to relax a little when the reason had been dealt with and there were then no further visible or anticipated reason for slowing or stopping.

I was wondering how others manage concentration.

[martine]

Nice one.

I try to imagine 'worst case' scenarios...will that van pull out in front of me, will that pedestrian cross, is there mud just around this bend etc. I'm not very good at this but working on it!

I think it's very true to say you (well I) can't maintain a high level of concentration for an extended period...of course it varies with all the other 'human factors' (tiredness, hunger, boredom, thirst, noise, time of day etc).

[trashbat]

Is concentration so important? Concentration on what?

Concentration isn't necessarily the same as alertness. You can be on autopilot but open to interruption if you spot something alarming. I don't really know where the boundaries are though.

[Hiijinx]

Coffee, lots of black coffee

Keep on interesting roads with a commentary, I loathe motorways...
Your idea on how slow should I go is so much more refreshing than the usual how fast can I go driver, that really keeps me on my toes now since our last meeting, constantly looking for reasons to slow down.

[jcochrane]

As an aside if you turn off a motorway and want to drive some nice roads I would reccommend TomTom for the iPhone (maybe on other mobile devices as well) you have an option to change route type to "Windy Roads" with 3 options of maximum, medium or minimum. I usually opt for medium and get a good mix of roads. Not unlike ADUK routes.

[brianhaddon]

Is concentration so important? Concentration on what?

Concentration isn't necessarily the same as alertness. You can be on autopilot but open to interruption if you spot something alarming. I don't really know where the boundaries are though.

When I first read this I thought - what's the difference? Then I realised that perhaps concentration is not quite the right term to use. When I drive my main focus is on the driving task, the road, the environment, what is happening around me. I wouldn't say I am on autopilot but other thoughts may enter my head. It is when this alertness drops below a certain level that I think I would be vulnerable so consciously endeavour to make sure it doesn't by relaxing, looking, considering and planning. In fact I think if the driver focusses on one facet to the point of deep concentration then other areas may suffer. This is one area commentary may help - it helps to organise this alertness and bring points to attention.
Regards
Brian Haddon

[WS]

I was wondering how others manage concentration.

I've been thinking a lot about it recently as I have found that I find it difficult to stay concentrated during long journeys. One thing which works in my opinion is making sure that one gets enough fun from driving. For as long as I am able to keep my driving "fun", I will also stay focussed because we all find it easy to focus on things that we like.

Moreover, if I do things which make me feel better, I will also feel more relaxed, which - as you said yourself to me once - helps achieve the state of "relaxed concentration". So in other words, having fun and being able to relax - in my opinion - help staying focussed for extended periods of time. Not infinitely though, of course. That's why one needs breaks!

If its is correct to assume that it's important to feel relaxed, then it probably means that you shouldn't drive at your "10/10" or even close to that because being at one's limit of ability will lead to stress. This in turn will mean that you will become tired soon and your concentration will fall.

The idea of relaxed concentration leads me to another concept I came across recently. My company is just starting to cooperate with a company specialised in providing training in relaxation and concentration techniques for drivers, founded by a sports psychologist and a yoga instructor. I found what they do really interesting. They use a technique called biofeedback, which helps one learn to control their level of stress and heartrate with the use of equipment measuring various body functions and providing feedback in real time. They teach various types of exercise which can be done in the car, while driving, which help lower the level of stress. This includes breathing, the seating/steering position, and other.

[Ancient]

Is concentration so important? Concentration on what?

Concentration isn't necessarily the same as alertness. You can be on autopilot but open to interruption if you spot something alarming. I don't really know where the boundaries are though.

When I first read this I thought - what's the difference? Then I realised that perhaps concentration is not quite the right term to use. When I drive my main focus is on the driving task, the road, the environment, what is happening around me. I wouldn't say I am on autopilot but other thoughts may enter my head. It is when this alertness drops below a certain level that I think I would be vulnerable so consciously endeavour to make sure it doesn't by relaxing, looking, considering and planning. In fact I think if the driver focusses on one facet to the point of deep concentration then other areas may suffer. This is one area commentary may help - it helps to organise this alertness and bring points to attention.
Regards
Brian Haddon

I think these are important distinctions: There are different types of concentration. One kind I will use whilst concentrating on a work task, or on reading a book; during these periods of concentration I can be totally oblivious to what is going on around me, will often not hear (or if I hear, not process) what is said to me. total concentration on the single task in hand. I would suggest that this is not the sort of concentration that is useful when driving.
Another type of concentration is something I also use whilst partaking in Martial Arts. In this situation, focusing the attention on any single detail (a planned series of moves, working out what the opponent will do next, watching his face/feet/shoulders/hands alone) is detrimental to performance. Concentration, or at least a state of ready alertness, needs to be maintained for a wide range of stimuli within a specific set (multiple opponent situations for example, widen the set). This is the type of 'concentration' I believe I use whilst driving. Driving often continues much longer than the typical bout though!
To maintain concentration, I use specific techniques in both situations. Firstly as mentioned, is breathing; three or four deep slow breaths to ensure the brain and body are oxygenated and settle into the task. Shoulder rolls and hip rolls help relax away the tension that can slow reactions. All of that though can only be done (in either MA or driving ) when it is absolutely safe; i.e. when out of attack range and having checked all around for threats.

[trashbat]

In fact I think if the driver focusses on one facet to the point of deep concentration then other areas may suffer.

There's a famous video that demonstrates this.

Click on the link, and go fullscreen to avoid reading anything about it or other distractions.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJG698U2Mvo

To me, that's the difference between concentration and alertness. You can have one either without or at the expense of the other, in either configuration.

[7db]

I think there's a distinction to be drawn between distraction from the driving task (chat, phone problem at work etc) and failure to prioritise the driving tasks required to deliver a safe drive (annoying twat in front, I must pass this Lorry, is that a Police car?)

[michael769]

To my mind concentration implies devoting ones attention to something specific. I humbly submit that it exactly what you do not want when driving - especially if the driver is concentration on his phone or passenger!

Ideally you want your attention to be constantly shifting. Alertness combined with an appreciation of the gravity and responsibility of being in charge of a 1.5tonne machine that has a reputation for causing fatalities, is closer to what is required.

[Zebedee]

Hi all, how do you manage your concentration with passengers in the car? Any tips?

[ExadiNigel]

I loathe motorways...

I used to dislike Motorways, finding them boring and tiring.

However, now I like them and tend to set myself little challenges. For example, how far can I go without having to switch off the cruise control, how far can I go without having to indicate to change lanes. Both mean I have to look much further ahead and behind and plan overtakes much earlier.

[gannet]

Hi all, how do you manage your concentration with passengers in the car? Any tips?

start a commentary - that usually shuts them up

[martine]

Hi all, how do you manage your concentration with passengers in the car? Any tips?

start a commentary - that usually shuts them up

I reckon some would want to make a quick exit from a vehicle being driven by a madman.