Response latencies were compared for three-dimensional brake/accelerator placements (depth, height, and lateral separation). Brake pedal width was found to be the only factor significantly affecting movement time. A comparison between Fitts' and Welford's movement time predictions and experimental response latencies resulted in correlations of .549 (p<.0001) and .543 (p<.0001). Neither movement time equations were able to predict response latencies when the brake pedal was placed 2.54 cm behind the vertical plane of the accelerator. Fitts' and Welford's equations are seen to have limited use in predicting three-dimensional foot movements.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
ChapanisA.KinkadeR.Design of controls. In Van CottH. P.KinkadeR. (Eds.), Human engineering guide to equipment design. Revised Ed., Washington, D. C.: U. S. Government Printing Office, 1972.
2.
DaviesB. T.WattsJ. M.Jr.Preliminary investigation of movement time between brake and accelerator pedals in automobiles. Human Factors, 1969, 11, 407–410.
3.
DaviesB. T.WattsJ. M.Jr.Further investigations of movement time between brake and accelerator pedals in automobiles. Human Factors, 1970, 12, 559–561.
4.
DamonA.StoudtH. W.McFarlandR. A.The human body in equipment design. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 1966.
5.
DruryC. G.Application of Fitts' Law to foot pedal design. Human Factors, 1975, 17(4), 368–473.
6.
FittsP. M.The information capacity of the human motor system in controlling the amplitude of movement. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 1954, 47, 381–391.
7.
FittsP. M.PetersonJ. R.Information capacity of discrete motor responses. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 1964, 67, 103–112.
8.
SnyderH. L.Braking movement time and accelerator-brake separation. Human Factors, 1976, 18(2), 201–204.
9.
U. S. Department of Defense, MIL-STD-1472A. Military standard: Human engineering design criteria for military systems, equipment and facilities. Washington, D. C., May 15, 1970.
10.
WelfordA. T.Fundamentals of skill. London: Methuen, 1968.
