The driving task can be characterised as the ‘dynamic control task in which the driver has to select relevant information from a vast array of mainly visual inputs to make decisions and execute appropriate control responses’ and ‘drivers execute planned actions which are shaped by their expectations of the unfolding road, pedestrian and traffic scenarios in front of them and the reality that they actually observe‘. The aim of this work was to develop an integrated model for understanding the impact of task complexity and coping capacity on crash risk. The fundamental challenge within this research was to identify how explanatory variables of task complexity (e.g. time of the day, weather conditions) and coping capacity (e.g. fuel type, vehicle age, speeding, harsh events) are correlated with the dependent variable of risk in order to predict STZ levels. Through the application of SEM model, the analysis revealed that task complexity was positively correlated with risk, which means that as task complexity increases, the crash risk increases. Firstly, crucial indicators such as the time of day and weather conditions significantly affect crash risk. Driving during night-time or in adverse weather conditions can exacerbate the challenges posed by complex tasks, further increasing the likelihood of crashes. Secondly, drivers could become overwhelmed by the demands of complex tasks, leading to reduced attention to the road and other traffic participants. The inter-relationship between task complexity and coping capacity significantly impacts driver’s ability to remain within the STZ level. High task complexity, such as navigating through heavy traffic, adverse weather conditions or unfamiliar routes, demands increased cognitive resources, quick decision-making and heightened alertness. When drivers have a high coping capacity, they can manage these challenges more effectively, maintaining their actions within a safe tolerance zone. However, if the coping capacity is low, the driver may struggle to handle these complexities, leading to elevated stress and tension levels that push their actions outside the STZ. Thus, the balance between task complexity and coping capacity is crucial in determining overall safety. High task complexity combined with low coping capacity results in significantly higher risks, as the driver is more likely to operate outside the STZ, potentially compromising driving performance and safety.
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