Car Spatial Awareness



Just got your license? Well, one of the most common problems that new drivers face is to judge the car’s spatial distance relative to other objects. Car Spatial Awareness is not only important while you are on the road, but it exponentially comes to test during parking or, while reversing.
Tricks for optimal placement of your car
If you don’t want to visit a car service workshop every time you break your headlights, then here are some general rules to follow for optimal placement of your car:
  • It’s not just about practice, but, it’s more about applying your common sense.
  • Judge your alignment carefully and beware of the optical illusions on the road and of the car mirrors. As a car possesses a convex mirror, always remember that ‘objects in mirror are closer than they appear’. Train your brain to simultaneously judge the distances deciphered from your peripheral vision, side mirror and also the rear view mirror.
  • Your car’s alignment would also depend upon your height, height of the car and the height of your car’s windshield.
  • The speedier your car is, the lesser time you would get to react. Therefore, it’s highly advisable that you maintain road speed limits to save yourself from accidents.
  • Experts say that you should hold your steering wheel at 3, 4, 8 or 9’o clock position, especially during accidents.
  • If you see any aggressive driver on a road, you better stay away from that car! Dusk and Dawn are particularly bad times to drive, especially, on country roads. Therefore, you must always drive at a slower speed during such conditions.
  • Never pass your car or try to overtake when you don’t know if there’s enough time and space. Be careful while driving blind spots like a steep curve or a hill.
  • While parking your car, always remember these points:
  • If you are not sure of the angle, do not hesitate to re- approach and start over.
  • Keep at least a 3 feet distance from the car you want to park besides. Your car’s bumper should align with the other car’s bumper.
  • While putting your reverse gear on, first turn your wheels to the right then back up slowly at a 45o angle. Then, turn the wheel to the left and slowly get back straight until you bring your car parallel to the curb. Never push the accelerator too hard while reversing. Practice will improve your sense of judgement.
Exercises that improve your skills of car spatial awareness
  • Play video games – car racing games, memory games or even playing Angry Birds can help you strengthen your judgement capabilities. If you have a good judgement of ‘reaction time’, you are likely to become a good driver. You should be prepared to take speedy actions for any unseen action on the roads.
  • Play Tennis, Table Tennis and Racquetball – Playing such sports in real or even on your mobile can help you improve your ‘eye- hand coordination’. Being proficient in these sports trains your brain to better judge spatial arrangement on the roads, quite well in advance.
  • Engage in brain training exercises – Meditations, Problem Solving, Decision Making and other Logical Reasoning exercises can also help you take better decisions while driving on the roads.
One of the main reasons of car accidents is a driver’s lack of car spatial awareness. Avoid high car service and repair costs by daily practicing and playing it safe on the roads.





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