DRIVER WORKSPACE STATE-OF-THE-ART ANALYSIS

This study was conducted to determine the merits of using a fixed-seat, adjustable controls concept to provide adequate driver accomodation in production-type automobiles. It was concluded that the concept not only is feasible but that it offers certain crashworthiness and probable cost advantages compared with current adjustable seat concepts. Although either concept could provide adequate driver accomodation, certain constraints on styling are needed in order that each realize its maximum benefit. While complete adjustment flexibility of both seat and controls may provide maximum optimization of the driver workplace, such an arrangement would not be cost-effective and there is no assurance that drivers might not mis-use the capability to their own detriment. A completely fixed seat plus an adjustable pedal assembly appears to offer maximum cost/operability benefits. However this approach requires considerable control over other vehicle characteristics and therefore should be studied in greater detail using mockups and live subjects to determine interaction with various vehicle models and styling. /NHTSA/

• Corporate Authors:

  Man Factors, Incorporated

  San Diego, CA  United States  92110
• Authors:
  • Woodson, W E
  • Selby, P H
• Publication Date: 1975-6

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 135 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Anthropometry; Automobiles; Benefit cost analysis; Cost effectiveness; Crashworthiness; Design; Optimization; State of the art studies; Vehicle characteristics; Vehicle components
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00127264
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Highway Safety Research Institute
• Report/Paper Numbers: DOT/HS 801 612 Final Rpt.
• Contract Numbers: DOT-HS-4-00981
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jan 14 1976 12:00AM