The Perils of Familiarity (02-26-10)

Familiarity can be a problem.  Recent research in Cologne indicates “The brain is more active and reacts more along unfamiliar routes.  When the test persons became familiar with the routes, the activity of their brains became less; this was the case for both the experienced and inexperienced drivers.  This means that drivers drive on familiar routes without consciously orienting themselves.”  This finding has repercussions beyond road design.  Think about people traveling down a familiar hallway – changing features of the environment occasionally, or designing a space initially to minimize potential hazards in spaces people will habituate to, can minimize accidents.

Patrick Honecker. 2010 “Deadly Driving Habits.”  Press Release, University of Cologne, http://www.pressoffice.uni-koel.de.