Lateral spatial biases in naturalistic and simulated driving: Does pseudoneglect influence performance?

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Cognitive Psychology
• Transportation Safety

Background:

• Pedestrians show a rightward spatial bias when navigating doorways.
• Limited research exists on similar lateral spatial biases in driving behavior.
• Understanding these biases is crucial for improving road safety and driver assistance systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of innate lateral spatial biases on driving behavior.
• To determine if rightward spatial biases observed in pedestrian navigation extend to driving.
• To analyze collision data and driving patterns for evidence of lateral asymmetry.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the Strategic Highway Research Program Naturalistic Driving Study (SHRP 2 NDS).
• Employed a driving simulation study with participants replicating everyday driving in urban and rural settings.
• Analyzed collision frequency, severity, and lateral lane position, categorizing by left/right events.

Main Results:

• SHRP 2 data showed higher collision likelihoods when crossing the right road edge and during right turns.
• More frequent and severe collisions with right-side obstacles were observed.
• Driving simulation revealed greater rightward lane deviations.
• More severe left-side collisions in SHRP 2 data were noted, potentially due to traffic presence.

Conclusions:

• Innate rightward spatial biases observed in pedestrian navigation are also present in driving.
• These biases manifest as increased right-side collisions, rightward lane deviations, and specific turning behaviors.
• Findings have implications for road design, driver training, and the development of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).