Human Factors in Human Factors in Transportation Transportation

Arnold G. KonheimArnold G. Konheim

U.S. Department of TransportationU.S. Department of Transportation

November 13, 2008November 13, 2008

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GoalGoal

Transportation that is Transportation that is

SafeSafe

EfficientEfficient

Accessible Accessible

Environmentally FriendlyEnvironmentally Friendly

Human FactorsHuman Factors

In the design and operation of In the design and operation of transportation systems and conveyances, transportation systems and conveyances, must consider the physiological and must consider the physiological and cognitive capabilities of humanscognitive capabilities of humans

Prevent accidentsPrevent accidents

Increase efficiencyIncrease efficiency

Make accessible Make accessible

Provide comfortProvide comfort

Older DriversOlder Drivers

Physical, Sensory, and Cognitive Physical, Sensory, and Cognitive limitations. limitations. Impaired VisuallyImpaired Visually Limited AgilityLimited Agility FatigueFatigue

Safest Among Age GroupsSafest Among Age GroupsSelf Limit Self Limit Avoid RisksAvoid Risks

In Terms of Exposure, Most FatalitiesIn Terms of Exposure, Most Fatalities

ImprovementsImprovements

VehicleVehicle Following at a Safe DistanceFollowing at a Safe Distance Night DrivingNight Driving Lane ChangeLane Change

HighwayHighway SignageSignage LightingLighting

Quiet CarsQuiet Cars

Transportation Can be a Source of Noise Transportation Can be a Source of Noise Pollution Pollution

Electric Cars Make Little NoiseElectric Cars Make Little Noise

Pose a Safety Problem to Visually Pose a Safety Problem to Visually Impaired Impaired

CommunicationsCommunications

Particular concern: English as a Second Particular concern: English as a Second Language Language SignageSignage Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices

provides standards for the USprovides standards for the US There are innovative signsThere are innovative signs

AnnouncementsAnnouncements Audio SystemsAudio Systems AnnouncersAnnouncers

SimulatorsSimulators

Used in All Modes of TransportationUsed in All Modes of Transportation

Used for Conveyance Operator and Used for Conveyance Operator and System OperatorSystem Operator

SimulatorsSimulators

TrainingTraining

Research on Human Performance Research on Human Performance

Development of In-Cab or In-Cockpit Development of In-Cab or In-Cockpit SystemsSystems

DisplaysDisplays

Operators of ConveyanceOperators of Conveyance

Operators of SystemOperators of System

UsersUsers

Other AreasOther Areas

Next Generation Air Transportation System Next Generation Air Transportation System

Operator FatigueOperator Fatigue

Risk PerceptionRisk Perception

ConspicuityConspicuity

Crew SizeCrew Size

Allocating Tasks to Humans and AutomationAllocating Tasks to Humans and Automation

Physical Demands of Task and EnvironmentPhysical Demands of Task and Environment

Collaborative EffortCollaborative Effort

GovernmentGovernment

IndustryIndustry

Research InstitutionsResearch Institutions