Human Factor
Each time someone gets behind the wheel of their vehicle, the decisions made by drivers or pedestrians – as well as how quickly they are made – can affect other road users. Understanding what people could, should, and are expected to do provides insight into how motor vehicle collisions occur and whether anything might have happened differently given another set of circumstances.
The term “human factors” covers a wide range of issues related to motor vehicle collision reconstruction. It includes how people see the environment in which they are driving, how they respond to hazards on the road, and how quickly they can react to rapidly-changing circumstances. The way in which a driver sees and responds to a hazard may prevent, cause, diminish, or worsen the severity of a collision.
Extensive scientific studies using human surrogates have greatly contributed to advancements in human factors research. Using fact-based scientific principles, it is possible to comment on research that explores how individuals see and respond to certain circumstances. Gone are the days of estimates based upon rule-of-thumb assessments regarding perception and hazard response.
CEP’s experts have the answers. We use analytical techniques to help determine the human factors involved in motor vehicle collisions while communicating our findings in a clear, concise manner.