Investigation on Heavy Truck Cab Ergonomics

Abstract

Cab ergonomics has an important impact on road safety and driver health, especially for heavy trucks, which is the main tool for long distance road transportation and usually result in more serious consequences than other types of vehicle if an accident occurs. However, for a long time, due to the poor design of the heavy truck cab, the situation of causing road risk and driver health problems have not been significantly improved. The understanding of the current ergonomic situation of the heavy truck cab will stimulate the design improvement. This paper investigated and analyzed the ergonomic problems and using experience of heavy truck cab installations, as well as the characteristics of professional driver groups and driving habits. The interviews and questionnaire survey on heavy truck drivers were used. The data was analyzed through statistical methods such as significance tests. It was found that the current truck cab components, including seat belts, seats, steering wheels, accelerators, brakes and clutch pedals, and shift levers, had varying degrees of ergonomic weakness. The research results provide reference for understanding the characteristics of heavy truck users, driving habits, user needs and existing design deficiencies, and improving of heavy truck cabs ergonomic design.