Describing the Driver's Work Space: Eye, Head, Knee, and Seat Positions

The SAE Controls Reach Study provided the opportunity to obtain a considerable amount of driver work space data in addition to hand and foot reach. A side-view film recording was made of each test subject assuming a driving attitude and looking straight ahead. Of concern were locations for the driver's eyes, top of head, back of head, knee, and seat.

These data were combined with other data previously reported to develop tools that will aid the designer in describing space and comfort requirements for seated drivers and passengers in automotive packages. Fixed-seat eye ellipses, head locations, shin-knee locations, and preferred seat positions are described.