Steering displays provide technical information in real time. Drivers often get distracted and cover the screens for racing, especially beginners. This allows the systems to work in the background without disturbing the pilots. Do the smart systems really have an affect on driver’s concentration?

Displayed Information

Steering displays bring vital information as close to drivers eyes as possible. What do drivers need to see? Following engine temperatures is direct in relation to the motors health and its ability to push. When tempratures are too low, it is less likely to withstand pushing yet. When tempratures are through the roof, it is possible to prevent disaster by pitting and stopping immediately. Other live data includes engine rotations and GPS speed that move too quickly too follow. And primarily, lap and sector times that drivers follow closely as direct response to their efforts. There are several more aspects that can be displayed, including gear numbers, flashing lights and exhaust temperature.

How is it Distracting?

Steering displays may distract drivers due to the amount of numbers running on the screen. Another distraction lies within the stress or overexcitement of seeing the good or bad lap times on display. While great laps may boost self confidence and performance, bad lap times could have the opposite effect. Negatively affected young drivers often rush to correct their mistakes or start overpushing to see the desired numbers on the screen. Unfortunately this usually leads to overthinking and unrealised potential. The same problems come up with sector times. Great sector times often never transform to lap times because drivers get distracted by good or bad emotions again. I can personally tell how a really good first sector, for example a tenth faster than previously, will make you nervous to finish the lap without further mistakes.

The Solutions

Coaches and mechanics often cover certain parts on steering displays to hide the unnecessary information. This will keep young drivers focused on their main goal that is setting quick lap times without distractions. Other chance is to disconnect lap time sensors to still show engine temperatures that won’t change quickly unless something has gone wrong. More experienced drivers can already tell the difference between useful and less urgent information to take in only what they need. Some also have already developed the nerve to resist overthinking. Coincidentally, my steering display failed in my best ever qualifying in Euro Trophy. The screen froze and I had no clue about my lap times. When I came off the track 3 laps later, I found out that I set a pole lap. I’ve taken many pole positions in my life but my first Euro Trophy qualifying victory came without any assistance from data displays.

While steering displays are vital for data, most information can be hidden from driver’s eyes. More experienced drivers may have already developed the nerve and focus to avoid getting distracted. Study your behaviour and its effect on your driving. Find out if you are affected by this common problem or not.