Research Papers (2009 – 2013)

Abstract

Transport Canada’s collision investigation program currently lacks a human factors oriented element in its accident investigation procedure. A data collection tool, specialized for the study of human factors in motor vehicle accidents, was developed based on a review of current tools and models, and an examination of the current Transport Canada crashworthiness investigation procedure. A primarily multiple choice style questionnaire was chosen as the tool structure. The questionnaire will augment the existing investigation, and is intended to be used in conjunction with the current crashworthiness investigation. Questionnaire content was determined using the SHEL model, and questions were arranged to follow the expected retelling of the accident by the interviewee. The questionnaire was designed to be completed on-line, using MS Word 6.0. A pilot study was conducted to refine the questionnaire. Twelve interviews were administered. The average response was positive and cooperative, and many changes to the questionnaire were implemented during and following the pilot study. It is recommended that future development focus on a more detailed social description of the driver, and automating the management of supplemental and irrelevant questions. While the questionnaire is hoped to form a database for future human factors research, the researcher must consider the original intent of the Transport Canada collision investigation program, and its effect on future results.

James Green