human factor and traffic controls hero unit training module

Human FactorHuman Factorandand

Traffic ControlsTraffic Controls

Human FactorHuman Factorandand

Traffic ControlsTraffic Controls

HERO UNIT

Training Module

OverviewOverviewOverviewOverview

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.

IntroductionIntroductionThis course will look at various elements and howthey affect the Human Factor, in this case, the Driverof 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?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 FactorElements of the Human Factor

• Attitude

• Habits

• Capabilities


• Driver AttitudeDriver Attitude

Anger

Grief

Joy

Anxious


• HabitsHabits

♦ People are creatures of habit

♦ People don’t change habits easily

♦ Traffic Controls can violate a drivers

expectancy


• CapabilitiesCapabilities ♦ Youth (inexperienced)

♦ Older drivers (diminished abilities)

♦ Drivers with physical limitations

♦ Drivers under the influence


• AttitudeAttitude

• HabitsHabits

• CapabilitiesCapabilities

All of these elements affect how the motorist

will react to traffic controls.

Elements of the Highway Elements of the Highway SystemSystem

• RoadwayRoadway

• VehicleVehicle

• DriverDriver


• RoadwayRoadway

♦ Planned / Designed

♦ Constructed

♦ Operated

♦ Maintained


• VehicleVehicle ♦ Designed – with built-in safety features

Seatbelts

Air bags

Anti-Lock Brakes

Crash Tested


• Driver Driver (the Human Factor)(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

BUTBUT


• 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 Elements from the Driver’s ViewpointViewpoint

• TrafficTraffic

• Traffic ControlsTraffic Controls

• EnvironmentEnvironment

Elements from the Drivers Elements from the Drivers ViewpointViewpoint

• TrafficTraffic

♦ Vehicles

♦ Pedestrians


• Traffic ControlsTraffic Controls

♦ Traffic Signals

♦ Warning Signs

♦ Regulatory Signs

♦ Construction Signs / Devices


• EnvironmentEnvironment

♦ Rain

♦ Snow / Ice

♦ Sunshine

♦ Nighttime

The Task of the DriverThe 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 DriverThe 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.


• In some ways a Driver is like a In some ways a Driver is like a computer:computer:

♦ Always collecting information

♦ Processing data

♦ Consistently making decisions

♦ Requesting and taking action


Unlike computersUnlike 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.

RememberRemember

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

Contributing FactorsContributing 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)

RememberRemember

• 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 ManagementTraffic 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.

SummarySummary

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

THE ENDTHE END

Questions or Discussion?Questions or Discussion?

human factor and traffic controls hero unit training module

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