Effects of Gesture-Based Interaction on Driving Behavior: A Driving Simulator Study Using the Projection-Based...

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Automotive Safety
• Cognitive Psychology

Background:

• Driver distraction, particularly visual distraction, is a major cause of traffic accidents.
• In-vehicle information systems (IVISs) can contribute to driver distraction.
• Midair gesture-based interaction (GBI) offers a potential solution to reduce visual distraction by enabling glance-free operation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the driving performance effects of gesture-based interaction (GBI) versus touch-based interaction (TBI) for in-vehicle information systems (IVISs).
• To evaluate the impact of GBI and TBI on driver distraction and safety.

Main Methods:

• Participants drove a projection-based Vehicle-in-the-Loop simulator, combining visual simulation with realistic sensory feedback.
• Driving behavior, including critical driving situations and car-following, was assessed using collected vehicle data (longitudinal and lateral driving).
• Participants performed IVIS tasks using either GBI or TBI.

Main Results:

• Drivers using GBI demonstrated faster reaction times to critical driving situations compared to those using TBI.
• Touch-based interaction (TBI) led to decreased steering performance and increased time headway to preceding vehicles.
• GBI showed fewer detrimental effects on driving performance and distraction levels than TBI.

Conclusions:

• Gesture-based interaction (GBI) presents a safer alternative for in-vehicle interactions compared to traditional touch-based methods.
• GBI can effectively reduce driver distraction, thereby enhancing overall traffic safety.
• The findings support the integration of GBI in future in-vehicle information systems.