Human Centered Systems Research
Our Laboratories
TFHRC's Human Centered Systems Laboratories
support the testing and evaluation of driver performance through
the use of a wide range of testing facilities. These laboratories
perform ongoing research into a wide range of geometric, traffic
control device, and operational issues, as well as the effects
of these elements on drivers and pedestrians... [more]
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Our Research
Human centered systems research work conducted by TFHRC focuses
on two major areas: intelligent vehicle-highway systems and
highway safety. Researchers examine drivers' capabilities and
limitations behind the wheel. They study topics including older
drivers, traffic management centers, user characteristics, and
visibility.
Intersection Program
Pedestrian and Bicycle Program
Transportation Operations and Traffic Control Devices Research Program
Visibility Program
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Designs that Work for Older Drivers
Two new documents were published in 2001 regarding highway design
and older drivers. These replace previous editions published
in 1998. The Guidelines and Recommendations
to Accommodate Older Drivers and Pedestrians (FHWA-RD-01-051)
have been developed specifically to provide practical guidance
to engineers to accommodate the needs and functional limitations
of an aging population of road users. In addition, a revised
Highway Design Handbook for
Older Drivers and Pedestrians (FHWA-RD-01-103) has been
published. Both of these documents provide design guidelines
for: at-grade intersections; grade-separated interchanges; roadway
curvature and passing zones; construction/work zones; and highway-rail
grade crossings (passive). The Highway Design Handbook also
contains rationale and supporting evidence for each recommendations
based on human factors and highway safety research. In addition,
the Office of Safety holds a one-day Older Driver Workshop based on these documents. The workshop has been developed to assist traffic engineers in accommodating older drivers' needs and capabilities. For more information about the Office of Safety's Older Driver Program and the Older Driver Workshop, click here.
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Seeing Is Believing
How a driver views the road in a variety of conditions relates
directly to his or her performance. If you cannot see the roadway,
you can be in serious trouble. TFHRC's
Photometric and Visibility Laboratory investigates such
issues as nighttime driving, roadway lighting, and sign reflectivity
to help the driver see signs and pavement markings more clearly.
