SMART VEHICLES: NEW DIRECTIONS FOR HUMAN FACTORS SAFETY RESEARCH

Advances in technology are being incorporated in motor vehicles at an increasing pace. These technologies have applications that may improve driver safety, comfort, and convenience. Among the “Smart Vehicle” applications that have been proposed are navigation systems, near obstacle detection systems, drive-by-wire, and active suspensions. In order for these systems to be effective, they need to be designed in consonance with driver needs, capabilities, and limitations. One concern is that unless human factors issues are addressed, new technologies not only may fall short of their potential for improving safety, but also may confuse or overload the driver and reduce safety. Because of this concern, a major focus of the crash avoidance research program at the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) is on human factors issues associated with new vehicle technologies.The panel will feature presentations of NHTSA perspectives and research programs followed by discussants from the private sector describi...