Dynamic dilemma zone at signalized intersection: attention allocation patterns using cure survival analysis for male...

Area of Science:

• Traffic Safety
• Human Factors in Transportation
• Driver Behavior Analysis

Background:

• Traditional traffic signal design assumes static conditions, which may not reflect real-world complexities.
• The 'dilemma zone' at intersections poses risks, especially when drivers delay signal detection.
• Understanding driver behavior is crucial for improving intersection safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the dynamic nature of the dilemma zone by analyzing drivers' time to detect traffic signals.
• To quantify the impact of psychological constraints and driver behavior on intersection crossing decisions.
• To explore how factors like distractions and time pressure influence unsafe crossing behaviors.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a virtual environment with 105 participants to simulate traffic signal scenarios.
• Employed image processing to determine the precise moment drivers detected the amber signal phase.
• Applied parametric cure survival models to accurately measure time-to-detect, accounting for inattentiveness.

Main Results:

• Drivers talking to pillion riders had 3.3 times higher odds of unsafe signal crossing.
• Participants under time pressure exhibited increased road focus and a 0.72s longer time to detect the signal.
• Eye gaze and attention allocation patterns were analyzed to understand detection delays.

Conclusions:

• Driver behavior, distractions, and time pressure significantly influence the dynamic dilemma zone.
• Current traffic signal designs may need reevaluation to account for real-world driver responses.
• Findings highlight the need for interventions to mitigate risks associated with delayed signal detection.