Investigations of Applications of Control Mechanisms in Motor Vehicles According to Biotechnological and Physiological Viewpoints

Statistics show that operator error is the cause of most accidents. Operation of the vehicle can be divided into reception of information, judgment, and activation of controls. This report deals with the optimal placement of controls.

Tests suggested three categories of descending priority for ease of driver control as defined by the body movements required for activation of a control. 35 different mechanisms are classified into these categories; the required body movements are based on anatomical statistics. Moreover, the positioning of the driver himself is defined by four variables: the position of the pedals, the height of the line of sight, position of the front edge of the roof, and the accessibility of control. Further adaptability of driver position (e.g., positioning of steering wheel and seat) is generally costly; consequently, each new vehicle model must be reviewed individually.