How human factors and ergonomics save lives

Abstract

This work is directed to an understanding as to how the knowledge of, and the application of human factors and ergonomics (HF/E) can save lives. To achieve this, the paper features an assessment of the achievements of one particular scientist, Neville Anthony Stanton, and how his body of contributions has impacted the realm of ground transportation and, in particular, driver behavior assessment. On the widest scale, it is objectively and obviously the case that Stanton is one of the most fecund scientists of our discipline ever. His impact is evident globally and results not simply from the sum total of his written and published works but through an extensive record of international scientific presentations, mutual investigative collaborations across the globe, and mentoring at all levels of the Academy and beyond. As well as mastering and elucidating the HF/E dimensions of a number of content domains, he has generated vital, and even unique tools and methods through which we can explore and understand the problem space of HF/E. Placing those attainments in context permits us a wider window upon how the discipline itself exerts practical and positive influences across the wide swath of real-world systems.