Operator limitations in farm tractor overturn recognition and response

Accounting for nearly half of all work-related farm tractor injuries annually, tractor side and rear overturn continue to be an ongoing problem. The causes of both side and rear overturns may be grouped into design-related and human factors-related categories. This review addresses the latter, highlighting those information processing bottlenecks, some of which may be aided through training or stability indicator devices. It is argued that tractor instability must first be perceived before a corrective response may be taken. Evidence was drawn from orientation perception, tractor rollover response time, and driving studies to describe an overall model of the tractor operator attempting to stay within stable operating conditions. With this more precise model of the tractor operator, a foundation is provided for further research on the operator-tractor interface.