Designing an Experimental Platform to Assess Ergonomic Factors and Distraction Index in Law Enforcement Vehicles during Mission-Based Routes

Abstract

Mission-based routes for various occupations play a crucial role in occupational driver safety, with accident causes varying according to specific mission requirements. This study focuses on the development of a system to address driver distraction among law enforcement officers by optimizing the Driver–Vehicle Interface (DVI). Poorly designed DVIs in law enforcement vehicles, often fitted with aftermarket police equipment, can lead to perceptual-motor problems such as obstructed vision, difficulty reaching controls, and operational errors, resulting in driver distraction. To mitigate these issues, we developed a driving simulation platform specifically for law enforcement vehicles. The development process involved the selection and placement of sensors to monitor driver behavior and interaction with equipment. Key criteria for sensor selection included accuracy, reliability, and the ability to integrate seamlessly with existing vehicle systems. Sensor positions were strategically located based on previous ergonomic studies and digital human modeling to ensure comprehensive monitoring without obstructing the driver’s field of view or access to controls. Our system incorporates sensors positioned on the dashboard, steering wheel, and critical control interfaces, providing real-time data on driver interactions with the vehicle equipment. A supervised machine learning-based prediction model was devised to evaluate the driver’s level of distraction. The configured placement and integration of sensors should be further studied to ensure the updated DVI reduces driver distraction and supports safer mission-based driving operations.