The Information That Drivers Use: Is it Indeed 90% Visual?

Abstract

The literature contains numerous claims that 90% of all the information used in driving is visual. This article presents a theoretical discussion, a citation search, and a review of evidence concerning such claims. The findings indicate that not only do we lack data from which to derive an accurate numerical estimate, but we lack a measurement system within which any numerical estimate would be meaningful. Consequently, although the information relevant to driving is likely to be predominantly visual, any claims about the precise percentage attributable to vision are premature. The proliferation of such claims in the absence of direct evidence is a reminder that researchers should be careful about assuring the validity of the claims they are passing on.