Innovation Approaches to Mitigating Human Factors in Road Transport - Ms Lerato Kgoa - 12 September 2024.pdf
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The document discusses human factors contributing to road transport safety issues in South Africa, highlighting high injury rates and economic costs linked to vehicle accidents. It emphasizes innovative approaches, such as driver monitoring systems and advanced driver assistance systems, to mitigate risks, alongside the establishment of a transport safety lab for research and data-driven interventions. A case study on the effectiveness of fluorescent yellow/green road signs suggests their potential to enhance visibility and safety, advocating for policy recommendations to incorporate such signage into official regulations.
Innovation Approaches to Mitigating Human Factors in Road Transport - Ms Lerato Kgoa - 12 September 2024.pdf
- 1. Innovative Approaches to Mitigating Human Factors in Road Transport Transport Forum Webinar 12 September 2024 Lerato Kgoa
- 2. 2 Introduction to CSIR CSIR Mandate: “The objects of the CSIR are, through directed and particularly multi-disciplinary research and technological innovation, to foster, in the national interest and in fields which in its opinion should receive preference, industrial and scientific development, either by itself or in co-operation with principals from the private or public sectors, and thereby to contribute to the improvement of the quality of life of the people of the Republic, and to perform any other functions that may be assigned to the CSIR by or under this Act.” (Scientific Research Council Act 46 of 1988, amended by Act 71 of 1990)
- 3. Road Transport ‘Unsafety’ • Transport Safety is a long-standing issue in South Africa. • High injury and fatality rates • Economic cost of crashes estimated to be R205.13 billion in 2023 (RTMC, 2023) • Disproportionate impact on vulnerable road users (VRUs) • Alcohol-impaired driving is responsible for about 58% of road fatalities (RTMC, 2023) (Source: Unknown)
- 4. 4 Human Factors in Road Transport Safety • Human Factors: Psychological, Cognitive, and Behavioural elements. • Leading contributors: speeding, reckless driving, distraction, fatigue and alcohol consumption. • Supply Chain Relevance: – Loss of life – Damaged goods – Shipment delays
- 5. 5 Innovative Approaches to Addressing Human Factors Across the globe, innovative technologies are being developed and deployed to address the risks posed by human factors. Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS) Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS) are AI-based systems that track drivers’ physiological states in real-time. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) ADAS technologies provide an additional layer of safety by augmenting drivers' abilities. Naturalistic Driving Studies (NDS) Naturalistic Driving Studies involve the continuous monitoring of drivers in real- world conditions. Transport Safety Lab
- 6. 6 Transport Safety Lab - Establishment and Objectives • CSIR Smart Mobility Cluster has invested in the establishment of a dedicated transport safety research facility in SA. • Addresses the urgent need for innovative and multidisciplinary solutions to improve transport safety. • Aims to provide data-driven insights and research- based interventions, specifically tailored to the South African and African contexts.
- 7. 7 Transport Safety Lab – Cutting-Edge Technologies DriveLab Our Noldus DriveLab system, equipped with eye-tracking technology, enables us to monitor driver fatigue, alertness, and focus in real driving scenarios. Vehicle Simulator By integrating this with our Vehicle Simulator, we can also evaluate Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS) and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) to understand their potential for mitigating human error and improving road safety. The simulator can also assess the impact of various transport safety interventions in a controlled environment. .
- 8. CASE STUDY Driver Perception of Fluorescent Yellow/Green Traffic Signs PILOT STUDY
- 9. 9 Case Study: Driver Perception of Fluorescent Yellow/Green Road Signage 1 High Accident Rates Road accidents are a major public safety concern in South Africa, with pedestrians accounting for 38% of road fatalities. 2 Low Visibility Issues Many accidents occur in low- visibility areas or hazardous locations where standard road signage is insufficient. 3 SARTSM Limitations The South African Road Traffic Signs Manual (SARTSM) does not currently allow for the use of FY/G road signs on public roads. The Problem/Challenge
- 10. 10 Case Study: Driver Perception of Fluorescent Yellow/Green Road Signage The Solution
- 11. 11 Methodological Approach Literature review Collaboration with RTMC and SARTSMA Mapping of existing and new infrastructure Pilot study (test of technology and concepts) Coding and analysis Results
- 12. 12 Methodological Approach • Study conducted on a 2.4km ring- road within the CSIR Pretoria Campus. • Existing standard road signs retained, and new FY/G signs placed. • Participants wore Tobii Eye-Tracker Glasses© to measure gaze patterns and fixation durations. • Surveys administered to participants before and after the experiment.
- 13. 13 Results: Measurable Outcomes Gaze Patterns • Higher glance percentages recorded for both FY/G and standard signs, with males showing a greater tendency to glance at FY/G signs compared to females • Females had longer fixation durations on FY/G signs than males. • (3.7 seconds for females vs. 1.5 seconds for males) compared to standard signs (2.3 seconds for females vs. 1.8 seconds for males). Driver Perception/ Sign Recognition • Eight out of ten participants noticed the FY/G signs, with the majority rating them as highly visible. • Seven out of ten participants reported being familiar with FY/G signage from international experiences. Demographic Variations • Experienced drivers (over five years of license ownership) demonstrated higher glance and fixation durations compared to less experienced drivers.
- 14. 14 Way Forward and Possible Research Implications • Scaling the Study: Results justify a larger-scale naturalistic driving study, which could include a broader participant base across different road environments. • Policy Recommendations: Findings support a case for incorporating FY/G signs into South Africa’s official road sign regulations. Implications Enhanced Road Safety Regulatory Changes
- 15. 15 Key Takeaways… • Innovative approaches to mitigating human factors are critical for improving road transport safety. • We must continue with collaborative, multidisciplinary efforts – Transport safety issues are complex and require cross-cutting solutions. – Meaningful strides will come from shared expertise and collaborative innovation.
- 16. Thank you Lerato Kgoa Lkgoa@csir.co.za 072 298 5639