Human Factors in Transportation

In all modes of transportation, human error remains the leading cause of "accidents." Reflecting current understanding that "accidents" are preventable, we now refer to "crashes" or "collisions" instead. In this article on human factors and transportation, we write about human factors mainly from the perspective of road users. However, in many cases, human factors considerations apply similarly across all transportation modes. Among others, visual acuity, perception of closing velocity, fatigue, and alcohol effects have similar characteristics in operators in all modes. There are some major exceptions, and these are noted. For example, the use of checklists is a very relevant issue in aviation, but not in other modes. Visual search is much more demanding on-road than in the other modes. Automation and its attendant problems are much further advanced in aviation than in other modes like marine, rail, and road, though automation in ground transportation is developing quickly. This article begins with visual and cognitive characteristics and limitations and concludes with new developments in human factors and transportation.