Visual Scanning Behavior of Experienced Drivers When Approaching Urban Intersections: -

Extensive research has been conducted on drivers’ visual scanning behavior in relation to traffic accidents at urban intersections. Recently, studies have highlighted the importance of visual scanning during the approach: the distance leading up to the stop line before a vehicle enters an intersection. Efficient visual scanning during this phase has been connected to improved situational awareness, decision-making, and driving performance. Nonetheless, there have been few attempts to investigate this in real-world scenarios. Therefore, this driving study investigated visual scanning behavior during intersection approach. The approach was divided into four segments 0-25m, 26-50m, 51-75m, and 76-100m before intersection entry. These segments were analysed based on intended driving maneuver (left turn, right turn, or going straight), intersection type (three- or four-way), and presence of traffic lights. Twenty experienced drivers drove a 35 km route in the city of Ingolstadt, Germany,...Show moreExtensive research has been conducted on drivers’ visual scanning behavior in relation to traffic accidents at urban intersections. Recently, studies have highlighted the importance of visual scanning during the approach: the distance leading up to the stop line before a vehicle enters an intersection. Efficient visual scanning during this phase has been connected to improved situational awareness, decision-making, and driving performance. Nonetheless, there have been few attempts to investigate this in real-world scenarios. Therefore, this driving study investigated visual scanning behavior during intersection approach. The approach was divided into four segments 0-25m, 26-50m, 51-75m, and 76-100m before intersection entry. These segments were analysed based on intended driving maneuver (left turn, right turn, or going straight), intersection type (three- or four-way), and presence of traffic lights. Twenty experienced drivers drove a 35 km route in the city of Ingolstadt, Germany, encountering 56 intersections. A remote eye tracker was used to record driver gaze focusing on three areas of interest (left, right, and straight-ahead). Results revealed shifts in scanning behavior beginning at 51-75m before entry, primarily influenced by the drivers’ intended driving maneuver. Intersections where participants planned to make left or right turns were found to be more visually demanding when compared to going straight, characterized by shorter fixations and more visual scanning towards the left and right areas. However, minimal differences were observed when accounting for intersection type and presence of traffic lights. These findings may inform improvements in future driving studies, driver training, road designs, and automated driving assistance systems.Show less

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Visual Scanning Behavior of Experienced Drivers When Approaching Urban Intersections: -