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A recent survey is described in which a series of anthropometric measurements were taken which are related to automobile design. In the first phase of the research 1,000 seated subjects were used to obtain 22 static measurements, most of which were indexed to two different reference points, the SAE H point and the accelerator heel point. In the second phase of the research measurements of functional arm reach to 117 points within the seated workspace were obtained on 100 subjects. Examples of the static and dynamic data obtained are given in both tabular and graphic form. Discussions are included of the measurements taken, the reasons for their selection, the measuring techniques employed, the statistical analyses used, and the potential applications of the data.

HIGHWAY safety-an important problem in the truck and bus industries - is governed by many factors, one of the most important being the human element. This paper describes the Harvard School of Public Health research program concerning the human factor in vehicle design and operation. The project is Sponsored by the Commission on Accidental Trauma of the Armed Forces Epidemiological Board, Department of Defense; the National Association of Automotive Mutual Insurance Companies; the American Trucking Associations, Inc.; and the National Association of Motor Bus Operators. Some items of this investigation include the study of near accidents; detection of the accident repeater; personal adjustment and morale of drivers; human body size and capabilities with relation to controls, instruments, seats, and vision; the effects of temperature, ventilation, noise, and vibration; and desirable safety features to protect the operator if an accident occurs.

Differences in human body size can sometimes have serious implications for the efficiency and safety, as well as the comfort, of vehicle drivers. The fundamental aim of this report has been to outline methods whereby data on human body size may be systematically incorporated into vehicular design. It is believed that previous considerations of this problem have been hampered by a lack of information on the specific size range of drivers to be accommodated. The engineer cannot design adequately on the basis of an “average” man taken from the general population. Nor can he design properly if he does not know precisely how “big” or how “small” his drivers will be. In addition he must know not only the human body dimensions, but also how these measurements vary in dynamic situations.