Citation

Marland RE, McKelvey RK, Polk RG. Proc. Am. Assoc. Automot. Med. Annu. Conf. 1970; 11(1967): 43-60.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1970, Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The driving research laboratory was established in Providence, Rhode Island, by the U.S. Public Health Service as part of the Injury Control Program of the National Center for Urban and Industrial Health. Its purpose is to conduct laboratory studies of human factors associated with the causation of motor vehicle accidents. Principal studies are designed to determine the human characteristics and conditions of performance which affect a person's ability to use safely the nation's streets and highways, either as a vehicle operator or pedestrian. The Laboratory's program includes analyses of the influence on driver performance of personal fitness, drugs, alcohol and other agents. It also employs driving and road simulation systems to analyze driving behavior under various conditions and to develop and evaluate remedies for inadequate performance.

For some time to come, activities of the laboratory will be centered on the development of criteria for normal performance of driving and pedestrian tasks. Wherever performance deficiencies are noted, implications for countermeasures will be drawn and evaluated without delay. Overall, it is felt that each simulated program exhibits several phases of interest as outlined below:
1. Determination of the attributes of normal response.
2. Analysis of the effects of temporary departures from a normal state, as through the influence of chemical agents (including alcohol), fatigue, or emotional stress.
3. Analysis of the effects of chronic or permanent departures from a normal condition, as through advanced age, physical disability, or mental retardation.
4. Identification and evaluation of countermeasures, such as rehabilitation, driver retraining, education programs, application of selection measures, psychotherapy or physical therapy.