Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
7.3.1.
Analysis of the activity of driver-deliverers
A specific knowledge of the activity of driver-deliverers carrying out daily
deliveries in town should enable us to specify the characteristics of the assistance
system in terms of strategies (passive, informative and/or active) and restitution
modes (HMIs) as well as the different situations potentially requiring assistance. In
view of this, activity analyses were carried out according to the rounds of 15 driver-
deliverers on board their usual vehicle (average age: 40 years old).
The methodological approach adopted was based on gathering the verbalizations
of drivers
in situ
and on recording events in the environment and driver behaviors
that can be observed during their rounds in the centre of the town of Lyon (see
Figure 7.4). Individual interviews with the drivers made it possible to specify the
idea that they have of vulnerable users in an urban environment and to define their
needs and expectations in terms of driving assistance [MAI 11].
Figure 7.4.
Images taken during analyses of the activity of driver-deliverers
The drivers expressed having been under permanent stress due to the high time
pressure that is inherent to delivery requirements, but also due to the constant risk of
accidents with vulnerable users. According to drivers, the latter are rarely aware of
the inherent difficulties of driving a heavy vehicle, particularly of the blind spots
around the truck that make their detection difficult if not impossible (behind, lateral
blind spot). They are generally unaware of the difficulty of maneuvers due to the
length (turn right, parallel parking) and weight of the vehicle (breaking).
Furthermore, the observations recorded
in situ
showed that vulnerable users too
often adopt behaviors that contravene their safety. For example, impromptu crossing
in front of the moving truck, when the priority is to the vehicle or outside a
pedestrian crossing; cyclists and motorcyclists who edge alongside the vehicle;
pedestrians not taking into account the warning sound signaling that the truck is
reversing,
etc.
