Sage Journals: Discover world-class research

Abstract

Accident databases commonly contain factual information about the time and date of each accident, vehicle characteristics, number of persons killed and injured, and other kinds of factual data. These attributes of the environment and equipment are usually directly represented in databases. In contrast, detailed analysis of accident causes, including human factors information, are frequently not represented because they are much more difficult to obtain and code.

This paper explores the suitability of transportation accident databases for use in human factors research. Given the goal of reducing the number and severity of transportation accidents, it is useful to use accident data as a tool to understand the common causes of accidents. Problems arise, however, because existing databases were typically not created explicitly for research purposes, and coding systems and file structures often omit or obscure useful information. Improved coding schemes and file structures that promote the use of databases for human factors research are discussed. Accident investigation methodologies that can improve the quality of human factors information in databases are also considered. Finally, problems associated with the use of existing databases are noted.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Andersson

Lagerlof

(1983). Accident data in the Swedish information system. Ergonomics, 26, p. 33–42.

Brown

I.D.

(1990). Accident reporting and analysis. In Evaluation of Human Work ( Wilson

J.R.

Corlett

E.N.

Eds.). Taylor & Francis: London.

Chira-Chavala

(1992). HOV-lane accidents and benefits of advanced anticollision systems: An in-depth analysis of police accident reports. Paper presented at the 71st Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research Board, Washington, DC.

Drury

Brill

(1983). Human Factors in consumer product accident investigation. Human Factors, 25 (3).

Feggetter

A.J.

(1982). A method for investigating human factor aspects of aircraft accidents and incidents. Ergonomics, 25, p. 1065–1075.

Hegwood

J. A.

(1992). Application of modified Feggetter model to identification of selected human factors in 1988 general aviation accidents. Paper presented at the 71st Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research Board, Washington, DC.

Hitchcock

(1992). Intelligent vehicle/highway system safety: Use of NASS data for evaluation. Paper presented at the 71st Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research Board, Washington, DC.

International Civil Aviation Organization. (1987). Accident/Incident Reporting Manual. Author: Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Laughery

K.R.

Petri

B.L.

Schmidt

J.K.

Schwartz

D.R.

Walsh

M.T.

Imig

R.G.

(1983, September). Scenario analyses of industrial accidents. Paper presented at the Systems Safety Conference, Houston.

10.

Malaterre

Fontaine

(1992). A priori evaluation of electronic driving aids using accident reports. Paper presented at the 71st Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research Board, Washington, DC.

11.

Rosenthal

L.J.

Mellone

V.J.

(1989). Human factors in ATC operations: Anticipatory clearances. In ASRS Research Workshop: Human Factors Work Group..

Using Transportation Accident Databases in Human Factors Research

Abstract

Get full access to this article

References