ABSTRACT
The concept of task overload is related to mental workload, which refers to the information processing demands imposed by the tasks that need to be executed. If the task demands exceed the amount of processing resources available one speaks of 'task overload'. Workload is a complex phenomenon that has various effects on physiology, performance and subjective feelings. The key to workload management is to anticipate the moment in which the workload may increase. As long as potential increases in workload are anticipated, copying strategies may allow adequate responses. Particular factors, such as adverse weather conditions or unclear road markings, can increase workload during a whole driving trip. One of the most common copying strategies when drivers are faced with task demands that exceed available resources is task prioritization. Because drivers engage in compensation strategies when overload becomes imminent, some argue that workload in driving is never really a problem.
