Training of tram drivers in workload management : workload assessment in real life and in a driving/traffic simulator.

This paper describes a project to analyse workload in real tram driving situations and to construct authentic workload simulations for use in driver training. Speech activity was used as an indicator of workload to identify it in a real-life situation and to construct simulations. Drivers, trainees and instructors completed questionnaires on workload situations. After training the drivers interrupted their speech task more often. These drivers with high predictability feel better able to control their mental workload. The authors conclude that simulator training was helpful, leading to a workload reduction and increased confidence in the drivers. For the covering abstract see ITRD E113725 (C 22328 CD-ROM).