Human factors in driving

Abstract

Road transportation is the main form of mobility for many individuals and goods. Yet, motor vehicle collisions claim close to 4000 lives annually around the world, with human factors playing a major role. These human factors are varied and relate to human information processing abilities as well as behaviors. Their negative effects are also exacerbated by infrastructure and vehicle design issues. This chapter presents an overview of driver abilities and limitations as they relate to safety as well as vehicular and infrastructure design. It provides state of the art on relevant research findings and methodologies. A larger focus is given to recent advancements in technology, including devices that are carried-in or built-into the vehicle, driver state monitoring, as well as higher levels of vehicle automation. Some of these advances raise safety concerns, yet others promise significant enhancement in safety. Future research challenges are discussed.