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Research on drivers' hazard perception in plateau environment based on visual characteristics
Danni Zhang1, Fei Chen1, Jiayun Zhu1
1School of Transportation, Southeast University, No.2 Dongnandaxue, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211189, PR China.
Accident; Analysis and Prevention
|December 27, 2021
Summary
High altitude impairs drivers' hazard perception by affecting visual search. Increased driving experience may mitigate these effects, improving plateau driving safety.
Area of Science:
- Traffic Safety
- Environmental Psychology
- Human Factors Engineering
Background:
- Effective visual search is crucial for timely hazard perception in driving.
- Hypoxia in plateau environments can impair cognitive functions, posing risks to driver safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of altitude on drivers' visual search behavior and hazard perception.
- To analyze how driving experience and acclimation influence visual responses in plateau conditions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized driving simulation software (UC-WIN/ROAD) with nine traffic hazard scenarios.
- Collected eye movement data using an ASL Mobile Eye monocular eye tracker at four altitudes.
- Analyzed visual search parameters including fixation time, saccade amplitude, and fixation duration percentage.
Main Results:
- Increased altitude led to decreased first fixation time and saccade amplitude, with increased fixation duration.
- Less experienced drivers showed longer fixation durations and smaller saccade amplitudes.
- Shorter acclimation periods negatively correlated with fixation time percentage.
Conclusions:
- Higher altitudes reduce drivers' visual sensitivity and cognitive processing of hazard information, impairing perception.
- Driving experience can partially counteract the negative effects of altitude on visual perception.
- Findings can inform targeted driver training programs to enhance visual search strategies and improve safety in high-altitude regions.
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