Driving Ergonomics

The generalisation of automobiles as a means of transportation has marked the 20th century. Now, road vehicles are the most common means of transportation. During this time some vehicle features have hardly evolved while others have been the object of development. The rapidly changing in-vehicle environment creates a series of human factors issues in relation to both the information technologies (SatNav, Smartphones, email/internet) as well as the active safety technologies (Electronic Stability Control, Adaptive Cruise Control, Brake Assist, etc.).

The Driving Ergonomics SIG was set up in December 2008 with the following aims:
* To raise awareness of the key role ergonomics has to play in terms of drivers’ physical health and driving performance.
* To promote the importance of ergonomics in vehicle design, engineering (industry) and vehicle selection (end-users).

Our objectives are:
* Encourage membership from researchers and practitioners involved across all areas of driving ergonomics, such as the health and safety management of occupational drivers, vehicle interior design, driver cognition and performance, inclusive vehicle design, design of the external driving environment.
* Encourage membership from user groups including the drivers themselves, physiotherapists, health and safety managers, car fleet operators.
* Encourage communication, dialogue and exchange of information between members and the organisers to discuss current issues and to share knowledge and opportunities.
* Encourage partnerships between drivers, employers, health professionals, designers and manufacturers to lead to the improvement in vehicle design and ergonomics.
* Establish links between the Driving Ergonomics SIG and other relevant organisations involved in the health and safety management of occupational drivers, driving performance or driving safety. For example: the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy; the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health; the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents; the Association of Car Fleet Operators; the Road Haulage Association; the Institute of Advanced Motorists; RoSPA; Brake; the Institute of Traffic Accident Investigators. Ensure these links help raise and promote the awareness of ergonomics.
* Alert employers of the ergonomic issues of occupational driving, for instance: sickness absence due to low back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders; driver attitudes and skills; the role of in-car technologies (e.g. GPS, mobile phones).
* Work closely with businesses to develop good working practices in the health and safety management of occupational drivers.
* Dissemination of information through: a) the IEHF, for example, its website, conferences, and newsletters, b) the possible development of a website specific to the SIG and its objectives.

This list can be amended, reduced or extended but we need your participation and contribution to achieve this. For more information, contact the group’s co-ordinator.