Data Acquisition System for the Characterization of Biomechanical and Ergonomic Thresholds in Driving Vehicles

Directive (EU) 2015/653 on driving licenses has involved the modification of different codes that must appear on driver’s licenses. The definition of specific codes (20.07 and 40.01) compels measurement of the braking and steering forces. Performing practical tests to assess the driving fitness of special drivers will help to determine the maximum force that a driver can apply on primary controls when driving. From that point, definition of car control adaptations required to supply their functional deficiencies can be stated. This article describes a data acquisition system designed and developed for obtaining data from experimental tests based on the execution of habitual driving manoeuvres (braking, lane change and roundabouts). The data gathered will allow for definition of the thresholds of biomechanical values (forces on the steering wheel and brake pedal) and ergonomic values (driver’s upper extremity mobility ranges) necessary for driving motor vehicles. The results have shown that application in real driving tests of the data acquisition system designed provides valid and suitable results for the case studied. Therefore, it will contribute to substantially improving the assessment procedure for drivers in general and for disabled people in particular when obtaining or renewing their driving licenses.