What is the approximate mental and physical effort ratio required for driving?

The ratio of mental to physical effort in driving is approximately 90% mental and 10% physical. This high percentage of mental effort reflects the cognitive demands placed on a driver, which include tasks such as decision-making, hazard perception, anticipating the behavior of other road users, and processing a wealth of visual information.

Driving requires constant attention and the ability to react quickly to changes in the environment, which is predominantly a mental exercise. While physical actions such as steering, accelerating, and braking are essential, they do not demand the same level of mental engagement. The significant mental load underscores the importance of focus while driving, as distractions can dramatically affect a driver's ability to navigate safely. This understanding is crucial for developing safe driving habits and improving overall road safety.