Life in the Wild? Using Ergonomics Systems Methods and Field of Safe Travel Theory to Evaluate Intersection Designs

Abstract

A safe systems approach has been acknowledged as the underlying philosophy of contemporary road safety strategies. Despite this, systemic applications in road transport evaluation and design remain sparse. This paper explores the value of using Ergonomics design and evaluation methods such as Cognitive Work Analysis in conjunction with road transport theories such as the field of safe travel to provide easily interpretable analyses of road designs. The goal is that this would provide a facilitation platform for communication between Ergonomics analysts and road transport designers, aiming to facilitate systemic applications in road transport. The application of Cognitive Work Analysis and the field of safe travel theory in the evaluation of a new intersection design concept demonstrated that this proves a promising cross method collaboration. Cognitive Work Analysis provided the analytical detail of road user behavior possible as a result of the interaction between the intersection design, road users, vehicles and the environment. Subsequently, the field of safe travel theory provided a visual means to communicate these findings directly related to the intersection designs. The application furthermore provided additional insights into the constraints acting upon the field of safe travel and the paths that road users can possibly take within this field.

Keywords: Cognitive Work Analysis, Field of safe travel, Systems safety

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe100690