A workload model to evaluate distracters and driver's aids

• Published in: International journal of industrial ergonomics Vol. 63; pp. 18 - 36
• Main Authors: Kandemir, Cansu, Handley, Holly A.H., Thompson, Deborah
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01-01-2018; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Aids; Automobile drivers; Cognitive ability; Commercial vehicles; Computer simulation; Discrete event systems; Driver behavior; Driving; Driving ability; Driving conditions; Driving distracters; Highway safety; Human resources; Impact strength; Mental workload; Model testing; Psychomotor performance; Sensory integration; Task process models; Traffic accidents & safety; Traffic models; Traffic safety; Vehicle interfaces; Visual task performance; Working conditions; Workload; Workloads; Vehicle interfaces; Task process models; Mental workload; Driving distracters
• ISSN: 0169-8141; 1872-8219
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ergon.2016.09.004

The aim of this study is to examine the use of a driver workload simulation model to provide commercial vehicle interface designers a tool to investigate the effects of various types of distracters and driver's aids under varying conditions, prior to test in a simulator or implementation in a prototype. To build the model, a driving scenario was first identified based on the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) driving route. The driving model was created using IMPRINT, a discrete event simulation tool that characterizes four classes of human resources that may contribute to driver workload: visual, auditory, cognitive and psychomotor (VACP). For this initial model we tested limited number and type of distractions. The initial use of a sample of driver aids and their importance to mitigating driver distractions has also been included.
This study investigated the use of a driver workload simulation model to provide commercial vehicle interface designers a tool to investigate the impact of the multiple activities an operator performs while driving. A simulation model can predict the changes in driver workload due to multiple secondary tasks performed in varying driving conditions.
•A driver workload model was developed using the IMPRINT tool.•The model can be configured to different driving scenarios and interfaces.•The simulation output can be used to understand the combination of tasks that contribute to driver overload.•Mitigation strategies can be developed through better interface or policy decisions.•Problematic areas can be further tested in driving simulators.