What is selective seeing?

Selective seeing is defined as thoroughly scanning the driving environment and deciding what needs attention for safe driving. This process allows a driver to focus on relevant information while still being aware of other factors in the environment.

For safe driving, it's crucial to not only notice vehicles, pedestrians, and traffic signals but also to evaluate which elements require immediate attention based on the situation. Engaging in selective seeing means a driver can prioritize hazards and important cues that are particularly relevant to their current driving context.

By doing so, drivers enhance their ability to make informed decisions, react appropriately to changing conditions, and maintain safer driving practices. This skill is essential since blindly trying to pay attention to everything can lead to information overload, which may distract from critical elements of the driving task.