Human Factor and Traffic Controls HERO UNIT Training Module

OverviewOverview This course is designed to provide the HERO operator with information concerning the role that Human Factors play, as it relates to the use of traffic controls.

Introduction This course will look at various elements and how they affect the Human Factor, in this case, the Driver of a vehicle. We will define & discuss: the Human Factor elements of Human Factors the Highway System the Environment the Driver the Importance of proper traffic controls

What is Human Factors? Human Factors is the application of relevant information about human characteristics and behavior to the design of objects, facilities, and environments that people use.

Elements of the Human Factor Attitude Habits Capabilities

Elements of the Human Factor Driver AttitudeDriver Attitude Anger Grief Joy Anxious

Elements of the Human Factor HabitsHabits ♦ People are creatures of habit ♦ People don’t change habits easily ♦ Traffic Controls can violate a drivers expectancy

Elements of the Human Factor CapabilitiesCapabilities ♦ Youth (inexperienced) ♦ Older drivers (diminished abilities) ♦ Drivers with physical limitations ♦ Drivers under the influence

Elements of the Human Factor AttitudeAttitude HabitsHabits CapabilitiesCapabilities All of these elements affect how the motorist will react to traffic controls.

Elements of the Highway System RoadwayRoadway VehicleVehicle DriverDriver

Elements of the Highway System RoadwayRoadway ♦ Planned / Designed ♦ Constructed ♦ Operated ♦ Maintained

Elements of the Highway System VehicleVehicle ♦ Designed – with built-in safety features Seatbelts Air bags Anti-Lock Brakes Crash Tested

Elements of the Highway System Driver (the Human Factor)Driver (the Human Factor) ♦ Is required to have a driving permit or license ♦ Required by law to have insurance ♦ Monitored by law enforcement ♦ May receive citations, be fined, etc. ♦ May lose driving privileges BUT BUT

Elements of the Highway System DriverDriver When it comes down to it! When it comes down to it! ♦ We, as HERO operators, have very little or no control over this element ♦ We can’t drive for them ♦ We have to accept them as they are ♦ They are the most dangerous element

Elements from the Driver’s Viewpoint TrafficTraffic Traffic ControlsTraffic Controls EnvironmentEnvironment

Elements from the Drivers Viewpoint TrafficTraffic ♦ Vehicles ♦ Pedestrians

Elements from the Driver’s Viewpoint Traffic ControlsTraffic Controls ♦ Traffic Signals ♦ Warning Signs ♦ Regulatory Signs ♦ Construction Signs / Devices

Elements from the Driver’s Viewpoint EnvironmentEnvironment ♦ Rain ♦ Snow / Ice ♦ Sunshine ♦ Nighttime

The Task of the Driver Drivers have a real task set before them,Drivers have a real task set before them, they: they: ♦ Must Observe ♦ Monitor ♦ Make Decisions ♦ Take Action

The Task of the Driver Must Observe their surroundingsMust Observe their surroundings – other vehicles, weather, traffic controls, etc. MonitorMonitor – operations of their vehicle, speed, steering, flow of traffic, etc. Make DecisionsMake Decisions – may not always be the right one… that’s the Human Factor! ( On average drivers make 1 to 3 decision per second ). Take ActionTake Action – Apply brakes, steer right / left, sound the horn, accelerate, etc.

The Task of the Driver In some ways a Driver is like a computer:In some ways a Driver is like a computer: ♦ Always collecting information ♦ Processing data ♦ Consistently making decisions ♦ Requesting and taking action

The Task of the Driver Unlike computers Unlike computers, drivers are constantly making errors and then having to take action to compensate for them. However, most driver error can be corrected by turning the steering wheel, applying brakes or accelerating.

Remember major While Human error is the major cause of vehicle accidents, there are other factors which contribute to the occurrence of accidents and traffic controls can be a contributing factor.

Contributing Factors Contributing factors:Contributing factors: ♦ Improper traffic control devices ♦ Improperly placement of traffic control devices ♦ Insufficient advance warning signs ♦ Parking the HERO vehicle in a blind spot (not visible to on coming traffic)

Remember Drivers make mistakes, at times, due to inadequate information It is important to remember, that drivers make their own decisions based on information that is available to them Those who are responsible for traffic control must work with drivers and their driving tendencies.

Traffic Management Traffic Controls should be: Traffic Controls should be: ♦ Clear and Concise ♦ Redundant (repeat information) ♦ Provide adequate advance warning ♦ Avoid unexpected situations ♦ The best traffic control offers no surprises.

Summary safely Human Factors is an important factor and much consideration must be given in order to safely navigate motorists through and around work zones and incident scenes.

THE END Questions or Discussion?