Driver Distraction – The Human Factor Elements
TASA ID:
On Tuesday, December 14, 2010, at 2 PM ET, The TASA Group, Inc., in conjunction with Human Factors experts Mr. William N. Nelson and Mr. Mark Heidebrecht, presented Driver Distraction – The Human Factor Elements, a free, one-hour, interactive webinar for all legal professionals.
Over the past 10 years, there have been many significant changes in the Driver-Vehicle-Environment relationship that have resulted in a 9% reduction in vehicle crashes but a 20% increase in crashes involving Driver Distraction on US highways. As roads have generally become safer, more vehicles than ever are on US Highways. And today’s vehicles have become more complex with the introduction of new technology that has improved safety but also made it more difficult for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles. Drivers are also challenged more than ever with the availability of smart-phones, lightweight laptops, book readers, video displays, GPS, radar detectors, graphic displays, etc., in addition to external distractions such as highway information displays, electronic billboards, commercials signs, etc.
When crashes do occur, how can a Human Factors expert assist with identifying what errors have occurred and who is responsible for the decisions that resulted in those errors? This webinar will help to remove some of confusion, clarify what is really occurring on US highways, and explain the possible effects these changes may have for attorneys who try to sort it all out.
During the presentation, our presenters covered the following topics:
- The Evolution of Driver Distraction
- The Four Steps of Human Information Processing
- The Three Categories and Types of Driver Distractions
- Common Misperceptions of Driver Distractions
- The Truth about Multi-tasking
- The Unintended Consequences of New Technology
- What Role Billboards Have in Driver Distraction
- What Are the Roles of Industry, Government, and Educators in Reducing Driver Distractions
Listen to the archived recording as a Podcast
About the Experts
William Nelson has over 30 years of experience in Ergonomics, Biomechanics, and Human Factors. Mr. Nelson’s expertise and areas of specialization include product liability, personal injury, premises liability, and accident reconstruction. He has been directly involved with the commercialization of emerging technologies such as holography, lasers, acoustic reflectometry, and electronics. Of special interest to Mr. Nelson are the unintended consequences from the use of emerging technologies in today’s multicultural society. Of particular interest is the emerging research in the areas of Driver Distraction, Sports Injuries, and Medical Errors, and how to help prevent injuries. Mr. Nelson has been a presenter at national and international conferences. He has over 18 years of litigation support experience as an expert witness throughout the US in municipal, state and federal Court as well as experience with the Daubert hearing process.
Mr. Heidebrecht has 20 years of experience in the research and application of Ergonomics, Biomechanics, Physiology, and Human Factors principles. As a Board Certified Ergonomics/Human Factors professional, Mr. Heidebrecht’s expertise and areas of specialization include: product liability, personal injury, premises liability, and accident reconstruction. Areas of special interest include Injury Causation, Driver Distraction, Helmets & Concussions, and Medical Errors. Mr. Heidebrecht developed and teaches a preparation course for professionals pursuing certification in Human Factors and Ergonomics. He has testified as an expert in front of OSHA regarding the proposed Ergonomic Standard and was asked to present to the National Academy of Sciences regarding the effectiveness of ergonomic interventions and the early identification of musculoskeletal disorders. Mr. Heidebrecht has been involved in product development and commercialization of medical products using emerging technologies. He has also presented to and consulted with numerous corporate clients, governments, and educational and medical institutions throughout the US. He has given litigation support as an expert witness throughout the US in municipal, state and federal Court as well as with the Daubert hearing process.
