What is the best range that describes the useful field of view for a typical driver?

The useful field of view for a typical driver is best described by a range of 20-30 degrees. This range is significant because it represents the area that a driver can effectively scan and process for important visual information while concentrating on driving tasks. Drivers need to maintain awareness of their immediate surroundings, including other vehicles, pedestrians, and road signs within this field.

A field of view that is too narrow, such as 2-4 degrees, would severely limit the driver's ability to see critical information needed for safe driving. A broader field of view, like 180 degrees or 270 degrees, could also be misleading since it extends beyond what is realistically usable in practical driving scenarios. While a driver's peripheral vision does cover a wide area, the focus on relevant details for navigation and hazard recognition typically falls within the 20-30 degree range, allowing for effective processing of environmental cues while driving safely.