“Braking bad”: The influence of haptic feedback and tram driver experience on emergency braking performance

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

2024

Subject Area

place - australasia, place - urban, mode - tram/light rail, planning - surveys, planning - safety/accidents, ridership - drivers, ridership - perceptions, operations - traffic

Keywords

Tram, Haptic feedback, Road safety, Emergency braking, Streetcar

Abstract

Trams are experiencing a resurgence with worldwide network expansion driven by the need for sustainable and efficient cities. Trams often operate in shared or mixed-traffic environments, which raise safety concerns, particularly in hazardous situations. This paper adopts an international, mixed-methods approach, conducted through two interconnected studies in Melbourne (Australia) and Birmingham (UK). The first study involved qualitative interviews, while the second was an experimental study involving a virtual reality (VR) simulator and haptic master controller (i.e., speed lever). In tram operations, master controllers play a critical role in ensuring a smooth ride, which directly influences passenger safety and comfort. The objective was to understand how a master control system, enhanced with additional haptic feedback, could improve tram driver braking performance and perceptions in safety-critical scenarios. Interview results indicate that the use of the emergency brake is considered the final or ultimate choice by drivers, and their driving experience is a moderating factor in limiting its application. Combined with the experimental results, this paper highlights how implementing haptic feedback within a master controller can reduce the performance disparity between novice and experienced tram drivers.

Rights

Permission to publish the abstract has been given by Elsevier, copyright remains with them.

Comments

Applied Ergonomics Home Page:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/00036870

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