HED 302s

DRIVER TASK ANALYSIS

Course Description:

An introduction to the task of the driver within the highway transportation system (HTS) with emphasis on risk perception and management and the decision-making process. A content based driver and traffic safety education course.

Course Goals:

Students will recognize the:

_ importance and complexity of the Highway Transportation System (HTS) and consequences of system failures.

_ social nature of, and the mental and physical requirements for effective performance of the driving task.

_ magnitude and nature of the risk inherent in the operation of a motor vehicle within the HTS.

_ multitude of variables that influence an individuals awareness of, and ability to manage risk.

_ importance of developing behaviors that better enable an individual to manage risk when operating a motor vehicle within the HTS.

_ critical nature of pre-driving preparation and visual performance to effective operation of a motor vehicle.

_ importance of operator knowledge and conformity to traffic rules and regulations.

_ influence of physiological, neurological and psychological well being on an individuals ability to operate a motor vehicle effectively.

_ importance of assessing a vehicle relative to user needs, fit, visibility, handling and response capabilities prior to purchase.

_ importance of vehicle maintenance to safe/efficient operation.

_ social, moral obligations re the safety of self and others an individual assumes when operating within the HTS.

_ importance of trip planning (timing and routes) even in everyday travel.

Primary Textbooks:

_ Quensel, Warren P. 1997. How to Be a More Perceptive Driver. Safety Enterprises: Bloomington, IL.

_ State of Washington (1995). Washington Traffic and Safety Education Curriculum Resource Guide. Olympia, WA: The Washington Traffic and Safety Education Association.

I. Introduction

Students will be able to describe the requirements for the course and identify the objectives and course content to be addressed in the course.

Topical Outline

I. Introduction

A. Rules and regulations

B. Certification Forms as required

C. Classroom requirements

D. Laboratory requirements

E. Grading requirements

F. Attendance requirements

G. Scheduling requirements

II. Getting Started

A. Traffic Fatalities Are Critical Problem

1. Insurance Institute Statistics

2. Updating Information Provides a Comparison

B. Preliminary Driver Performance Audit

1. Scheduling

2. Purpose

3. Start of assessment process

C. Class Assignment

1. Intersection Observation

2. Intersection Scoring Sheets

3. Purpose of Exercise

II. The Task of the Driver within the HTS

Define and describe the general nature of the drivers= task within the Highway Transportation System (HTS) and consequences of system failures.

Topical Outline

I. Highway Transportation System (HTS)

A. Defining the HTS.

B. Characteristics of the HTS.

C. Importance and complexity of the HTS.

D. Consequences of HTS failure.

E. Nature and Review of the operator=s task.

1. Social Tasks.

a. HTS membership.

b. Competent/responsible behavior.

c. Concept of self/regard for others.

d. Preliminary driver behavior audit.

1. Review of tasks

2. Performances

3 Problem areas

2. Mental Tasks.

a. Gathering and processing information.

1. Sensory input

2. Perception

b. Stored information

c. Decision making (elements beyond the direct control of the users of the HTS).

d. Translation of decision to action.

3. Physical Tasks

a. Basic control function.

b. Skillful manipulation.

c. Times performance.

4. Driver Errors

a. Excessive speed.

b. False assumptions.

c. Improper technique/practice.

d. Improper defensive technique.

e. Improper maneuver.

f. Inadequate signal.

III. Personal Factors Influencing Operator Performance

Students will demonstrate knowledge of and make decisions regarding physical and mental conditions that can affect a pedestrians, bicyclist or motor vehicle operators ability to function effectively and safely with the HTS.

Topical Outline

I. Personal Factors

A. Long Term Dysfunctions

1. Paraplegia

a. leg dysfunctions

b. arm dysfunctions

2. Quadriplegia

3. Neurological

4. Psychosis

5. Social dysfunction

6. Special populations

a. Non - readers

b. Mentally challenged

c. Physically challenged

B. Temporary Dysfunctions

1. Emotions

2. Alcohol

3. Other Drugs

a. Over the counter

b. Prescription

c. Illegal

4. Poisonous fumes and gases

5. Fatigue

a. Sleep needs

b. Nodding

c. Narcolepsy

6. Stress

7. Sensory impairment

8. Synergism

C. Compensating for Dysfunctions

D. Problems Associated With Aging

IV. Motor Vehicle Laws, Regulations and Their Application

Students can explain the purpose and importance of traffic regulations, the conditions under which they apply and the critical need for voluntary compliance.

Topical Outline

I. Application of Laws, Regulations

A. Uniform Act Regulating Traffic

1. Motor vehicle equipment

2. Signs, signals and markings

3. Speed restrictions

4. Starting, stopping and starting

5. Lane changes, passing and turning

6. Intersections

a. Right - of - way

b. Pedestrian rights and obligations

c. Bicyclists rights and obligations

7. Driving when impaired

8. Implied consent laws

9. Youthful offender laws

10. Reckless driving

11. Reckless homicide

12. State/commonwealth code

B. Driver Licensing Laws

1. Purposes

2. Eligibility

3. Classification

4. Restrictions

5. Point system

6. Suspension, revocation, cancellation

7. Interstate reciprocity

8. National Driver Register

C. Motor Vehicle Registration

1. Title

2. Registration

D. Safety and Financial Responsibility Law

1. Requirements

a. Proof of ability to pay

b. Showing proof

c. Proof of financial responsibility in the future

2. Duties when involved in a crash

3. When financial responsibility law applies

V. Managing Risk Within The HTS

Define risk and risk management as applied to the task of driving as a driver or passenger. Apply principles of perception to risk management when operating a motor vehicle. Identify and demonstrate techniques for managing risk when operating a motor vehicle over a pre-selected route on and off road.

Topical Outline

I. Managing Risk Within HTS

A. Concept of Risk

1. Definition of Risk

2. Factors to evaluate when assessing risk

a. Probability of undesired outcomes

b. Manageability of outcomes

c. Consequences of alternative decisions

3. Perception of risk and control

4. Characteristics of risk

a. Always present

b. Perceived risk differs from actual risk

c. Shared

d. Can be altered

e. Can be analyzed on a comparative basis

B. Principles of Reduced Risk Behavior

C. Judgment Functions

1. Kinds of judgments required of users

a. Visibility

b. Time

c. Space

d. Traction (adhesion)

e. Movement

2. Factors influencing judgment

a. Sensory input

b. Stored information

c. Emotions

d. Personality

e. Fatigue

f. Drugs

g. Risk assessment

h. Risk acceptance

3. Dynamic / static judgments

a. Visibility

b. Traction / adhesion

c. Time needs - time available

d. Crash avoidance / selection

D. Predicting and Influencing The Actions of Other HTS Users

1. Pedestrians

2. Bicyclist

3. Motor vehicle operators

a. Youth

b. Aging population

c. Heavy equipment

d. Special vehicles

4. Animals

a. Domestic

b. Wild

E. Evaluating Objects and Conditions

1. Weather

2. Illumination

3. Vehicle condition

a. Own

b. Others

4. Vehicles

a. Types

b. Density

5. Highway

a. Type

b. Condition

c. Maintenance

F. Controlling the Consequences of a Crash

1. Communication

2. Controlling Consequences

VI. Sensory Perception and Performance of the Driving Task

Students will be able to identify and discuss the importance of sensory perception to effective performance of the driving tasks.

Topical Outline

I. Sensory Perception and Performance

A. Sensory Modalities Critical To Driving

1. Vision

2. Kinesthetic

3. Tactile

4. Auditory

5. Olfactory

B. Visual Abilities

1. Acuity

2. Visual field

3. Distance judgment

4. Contrast sensitivity

5. Focus

6. Night vision

7. Glare vision

8. Glare recovery

9. Color perception

C. Visual Process

1. Central vision

2. Peripheral vision

3. Search and scanning

4. Systematic

5. Fixations

6. Time

D. Importance of Vision

1. Managing Time and Space

2. DMV / MVA Requirements

3. Visual dysfunction as causative crash factor

E. Process of Sensory Perception

1. Definition of Visual Perception

2. Difference looking / perceiving

F. Principles of Perception

1. Vigilance

2. Selectivity

3. Defense

G. Principles of Effective Visual Search

1. Time needs

2. Quantity / quality of information

3. Classification of information

a. Highway

b. Traffic controls

c. Motorized users

d. Non-motorized users

H. Perceptual Failure

1. Failure of sensory organs

a. Vision changes

b. Feeling of motion

c. Hearing changes

2. Failure to react to stimulus

3. Environmental determinants

I. Perceptual Compensation

1. Sensory organ compensation

2. Perceptual compensation

VII. Improving Drive Performance

The students will identify and demonstrate principles essential to avoidance of, or in response to conditions of increased risk. The students will demonstrate appropriate adjustments of speed, position and visibility in response to selected situations on an off-street facility.

Topical Outline

I. Improving Driver Performance

A. Driver Seating

1. Seating Height

2. Position of Feet

3. Mirrors

4. Pedal Extensions

5. Steering and Hand Position

a. Flexible vs Fixed

b. Hand Over Hand vs. Hand To Hand

c. One Hand Position (airbag danger)

d. While in Moving in Reverse

B. Identification of HTS Elements

1. Classification System

2. Response to Conditions of Reduced Visibility, Time, Space, Traction, or Adhesion.

C. Time Needs Assessment

1. Left and Right Turns

2. Joining and Crossing

3. 20 - 30 Second visual lead

4. Acceleration and Control of speed

5. Controlled Braking/Shortest Distance Possible

D. Evaluation of HTS Elements

1. Probability

a. Visual Search

b. Potentially threatening conditions or events

2. Manageability

a. Following Intervals

b. Space to Rear

c. Stopping Zone

d. Alternate Paths of Travel

3. Consequences of Alternative Responses

E. Decision Making

1. Choice of Position and Speed

2. Space to Side(s) Alternate Paths of Travel

3. Separate, Compromise

4. Passing

a. Passing limitations

b. Passing needs

c. Passing considerations

F. Space Assessment and Management

1. Establish Adequate Following Interval

2. Braking Methods Comparison (flat, dry surface)

3. Identify Alternate Path of travel 12 / 15

4. Identify Safe Stopping Zone 5/15 sec.

5. Driver and Vehicle Needs

6. Lateral Maneuvers

7. Turnabouts

8. Parking

G. Identification of Critical HTS Events

1. Commentary Driving

a. Areas of reduced visibility

b. Areas of reduced space

c. Areas of reduced adhesion

2. Anticipating Errors

3. Objects with closing potential

a. Oncoming vehicles

b. Merging and exiting

c. Cars ahead and behind

d. Intersecting vehicles

e. Clues for searching areas

4. Visibility, Time, and Space Management

a. Measured by adjustment of speed

b. Measured by lane selection

c. Measured by position within a lane

H. Response To Vehicle and Driver Limitations

1. Serpentine Steering Using Fixed and Variable Distances