Hierarchical task analysis of driving: a new research tool

Walker, G.H., Stanton, Neville and Young, Mark (2001) Hierarchical task analysis of driving: a new research tool. Hanson, Margaret (ed.) In Contemporary Ergonomics 2001: Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the Ergonomics Society. Taylor & Francis. pp. 435-440 . (doi:10.1201/b12798).

Abstract

ABSTRACT
Adaptive cruise control, drive by wire technology, collision avoidance systems, and sophisticated driver monitoring are indicative of the increasing power of proposed invehicle technology. These technologies, amongst others, not only increasingly automate many of the functions previously performed by the driver, but they are realistically expected to enter vehicles in the coming 15 years (Walker, Stanton & Young, 2001). Given the dramatic effect that this is to have on the specific nature of the driving task, it is interesting to note that the only attempt at a systematic and exhaustive task analysis of driving quoted in contemporary literature (for example, Michon, 1993) remains the work of McKnight and Adams (1970). McKnight and Adam’s work was prepared for the U.S. Department of Transportation in order to “identify a set of driver performances that might be employed as terminal objectives in the development of driver education courses” (McKnight & Adams, 1970, p. vii). Whilst providing some extremely useful insights into the range and quantity of tasks enacted by drivers, it’s stated purpose severely limits its research applicability. A sizeable corpus of knowledge exists about what drivers are actually doing whilst they drive (for example Tijerina, et al, 1998; Lechner & Perrin, 1993) but thus far very little is actually known about the specific nature and structure of the driving task itself. Therefore to date, driving research lacks an important and valuable research tool.

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Contributors

Author: Neville Stanton

Author: Mark Young

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