Human Factors

Human Factors is a broad scientific field of study pertaining to human interaction with technology and the environment.  It focuses on human capabilities, behavior and performance in a wide variety of situations.

In the context of traffic accident analysis, the study is most commonly directed to the driver of a vehicle.  In nearly every litigated traffic accident case, to some extent or another, driver performance is scrutinized.  The questions that arise are typically related to one or more of the following elements:  perception / reaction, visibility, attention, distraction, alcohol & drugs, fatigue, traffic control devices, vehicle ergonomics, roadway & environmental conditions, strategy, and tactics.

A successful (perhaps defined as uneventful and not harmful) transportation experience for all is dependent on multiple drivers keeping the above list of elements under a constant state of checks and balances.  When a breakdown or lapse in human capability or performance occurs with respect to drivers managing these elements in concert, then the chances for an accident will increase. 

Part of any accident cause analysis or liability assessment incorporates a determination whether driver error and/or other human factors were significant contributing factors.