What we sense, how we process, how we react
Human factors is how we perceive and interact with our environment. Understanding human factors can play a key role in weaving together a complete accident reconstruction by providing vital information linking complex events.
Dr. Strauss performing human factors research with volunteers.
Dr. Strauss has the extensive knowledge and experience to understand human factors and how to apply that to solving an accident event. In a simple model, human factors are the inputs to our senses (typically vision, hearing, touch, orientation and olfaction), the cognitive processing that takes place in response to inputs, and the resulting actions (limb movement such as: running, braking, deflection, head positioning or yelling). Unlike dimensions that can be referenced, such as the vehicle length or bumper height of a 2014 Chevrolet Camaro, individuals are unique in their anatomy and physiology, as well as their responses. It is likely that an 80 year old driver would have diminished vision and hearing, would have slower cognitive and reflex actions, and may also have less strength and range of motion compared to a 30 year old, even though they both weigh the same and are of the same height.