This article presents a brief overview of the research performedat the human factors division of the university of michigan transportation research institute between 1977 and 1986. The focus of the research has been on human factors (ergonomics) aspects of road safety. Specifically, the research has dealt with the following issues: vehicle head-lighting, vehicle rear lighting and signalling, vehicle displays and controls, vehicle components, conspicuity of vehicles, legibility of traffic signs and licence plates, driver reaction time, driver performance, stopping sight distance, driver seated position, individual differences (drivers with disabilities, older drivers), methods for measuring blood alcohol concentration, societal violence and traffic accidents, cross-cultural comparison of driver risk-perception, and theoretical issues.
Abstract