Distraction 'on the buses': a novel framework of ergonomics methods for identifying sources and effects of bus driver distraction.
Driver distraction represents a significant problem in the public transport sector. Various methods exist for investigating distraction; however, the majority are difficult to apply within the context of naturalistic bus driving. This article investigates the nature of bus driver distraction at a major Australian public transport company, including the sources of distraction present, and their effects on driver performance, through the application of a novel framework of ergonomics methods. The framework represents a novel approach for assessing distraction in a real world context. The findings suggest that there are a number of sources of distraction that could potentially distract bus drivers while driving, including those that derive from the driving task itself, and those that derive from the additional requirements associated with bus operation, such as passenger and ticketing-related distractions. A taxonomy of the sources of bus driver distraction identified is presented, along with a discussion of proposed countermeasures designed to remove the sources identified or mitigate their effects on driver performance.
Salmon
Paul M
PM
Human Factors Group, Monash University Accident Research Centre, Clayton Campus, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia. paul.salmon@muarc.monash.edu.au
Young
Kristie L
KL
Regan
Michael A
MA
D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology*; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006804:Ergonomics / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D018986:Motor Vehicles / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D014739:Victoria