This module explores human factors in the context of road safety. Road user behaviour is a critical element in determining the safety of roads, and the discipline of human factors (i.e. the study of human characteristics and limitations) offers useful perspectives and tools to understand the causes of crashes and the effectiveness of countermeasures.
This module has no prerequisite learning, although it is highly recommended that learners either complete Module 1 – Foundations of Road Safety, or bring an equivalent level of personal experience, before taking Module 3 – Human Factors and Road Safety.
There are six submodules, each of which includes a recorded lecture, a short quiz, and a handout with the lecture slides (PDF format). In addition, the course handout summarizes each submodule’s learning objectives, additional reading, and suggested exercises.
This course will run on desktop or laptop computers (Windows 7 or later, Mac OS X 10.9 or later) and on tablets or mobile phones (Android OS 5 or later, iOS 11 or later).
Learners will have access to the course for twelve months from the date of payment.
Learning objectives
After completing the following submodules, learners will be able to:
Submodule 3.1 – Introduction (32 minutes)
Submodule 3.2 – Addressing Driver Error (13 minutes)
Submodule 3.3 – Road User Characteristics (57 minutes)
Submodule 3.4 –Road User Mode Issues (1 hour 50 minutes)
Submodule 3.5 – Driver Stressors (47 minutes)
Submodule 3.6 – Positive Guidance (26 minutes)
Submodule 3.7 – Intersection Interventions Supported with Human Factors Evidence (28 minutes)
Submodule 3.8 – Corridor Interventions Supported with Human Factors Evidence (26 minutes)
Submodule 3.9 – Why Drivers Adapt (48 minutes)
Instructors
Alison Smiley, Ph.D., CCPE – Human Factors North Inc.
Alison is a Canadian Certified Professional Ergonomist specializing in human factors, and has served on numerous TRB committees including on Vehicle User Characteristics as well as the board of the journal Accident Analysis & Prevention. She received the A.R. Lauer Safety Award from the U.S. Human Factors and Ergonomics Society in 1997 for contributions to human factors in highway safety, and over more than 40 years has acted as an expert witness in several hundred crashes, carried out research on driver behaviour using simulators and instrumented vehicles, and participated in road reconstruction and design projects with numerous engineering companies. She has taught courses at multiple universities, and developed and taught human factors and road safety courses for the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, Ontario Ministry of Transportation, Manitoba Public Insurance, State of Maryland, U.S. Federal Highway Administration, U.S. National Highway Institute, and several police forces.
Thomas Smahel, M.Arch., CCPE, RSP1 – Human Factors North Inc.
Mr. Smahel has two decades of experience in measuring human performance, specializing in traffic safety. He prepared and delivered workshops on human factors in traffic safety to accident reconstructionists at the Ontario Provincial Police, and on designing safer roads for pedestrians and cyclists to municipal and corporate
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