Prospectus on Multi-Modal Aspects of Human Factors in Transportation

Triggs, T.J.; Doyle, R.; Drago, V. · 1991 · ROSA P / United States. Department of Transportation. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

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Summary

This 1991 prospectus, prepared by Battelle Human Affairs Research Centers for the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), addresses the critical need for a coordinated, multi-modal approach to human factors research in transportation. The document argues that human-related factors are the primary contributors to transportation accidents across all modes, yet research has historically been fragmented and siloed within specific sectors (aviation, highway, marine, rail). The authors contend that integrating research efforts across these modes will enhance efficiency, reduce duplication, and provide a long-range technical agenda to guide policy and funding. The motivation stems from emerging challenges, including increasing congestion, the introduction of high technology, and an aging workforce, which threaten safety and productivity. The paper does not present original empirical data but rather synthesizes existing knowledge and agency reports to identify priority research areas. The authors selected issues based on three criteria: relevance to multiple transport modes, significance to operational safety, and the likelihood that research would yield substantial benefits. The analysis draws on data from the National Transportation Safety Board, the Aviation Safety Reporting System, and various DOT agencies (FAA, FHWA, NHTSA, Coast Guard, FRA) to establish the prevalence of human error. For instance, the text notes that human factors contribute to over 90% of automobile accidents and approximately 65–85% of aviation accidents depending on the sector. The prospectus identifies six primary cross-modal human factors issues requiring immediate attention: fatigue, drugs and alcohol, automation and high technology, aging, crew sizing, and organizational factors. Fatigue is highlighted as a major contributor to accidents in all modes, with specific evidence showing that heavy truck accident risk doubles after eight hours of driving. The document also identifies emerging issues, including human performance modeling, multiple task management, allocation of functions, and unanticipated emergency handling. It emphasizes that while not every issue lends itself to a cross-modal approach, a systematic examination of shared needs allows for better resource allocation and strategic planning. The significance of this work lies in its advocacy for a paradigm shift from isolated, mode-specific studies to a unified, programmatic orientation. The authors conclude that a multi-modal approach will benefit the government by providing a clear framework for research planning and funding, assist industry by identifying macro-level system problems proactively, and enable academic institutions to align their research with national needs. By fostering communication among researchers and policymakers, this approach aims to maximize the impact of human factors research on transportation safety and productivity, ensuring that system designs account for human capabilities and limitations in an increasingly complex technological environment.

Key finding

Human-related factors are the largest contributors to transportation accidents across all modes, making a coordinated multi-modal research approach essential for improving safety and productivity.

Methodology

review

Provenance

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Topics

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• automation complacency bias
• automation
• truck driver fatigue

Information type

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• Synthesis & Review: research agenda
• Theoretical Contribution: theory or model