Driver Behavioral Classification on Curves Based on the Relationship between Speed, Trajectories, and Eye Movements: A Driving Simulator Study

Rondora, Maria Emilia Schio; Pirdavani, Ali; Larocca, Ana Paula C. · 2022 · Crossref

DOI: 10.3390/su14106241

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Summary

This study investigates how geometric characteristics of horizontal curves—specifically curve radius and approach tangent length—affect driver behavior on rural highways. Horizontal curves are associated with high crash rates due to drivers’ erroneous perception of speed and trajectory. The research aims to classify driving behaviors based on speed profiles, lateral trajectories, and eye movements to identify which geometric factors influence safe curve negotiation. The experiment was conducted using a fixed-base driving simulator equipped with an eye-tracking system. Twenty-eight volunteers drove through a simulated three-lane highway scenario comprising 90 horizontal curves across nine different combinations of radii (small, medium, large) and approach tangent lengths (small, medium, large). Data were collected at 60 Hz, capturing vehicle speed, lateral position, and eye movement metrics such as fixations and pupil diameter. Driver behavior was classified into five categories: ideal, normal, intermediate, cutting, or correcting. Statistical analyses, including factorial ANOVA with repeated measures and Pearson chi-square tests, were performed to assess the impact of geometric variables on performance parameters. The results indicated that curve radius significantly affected driving behavior and performance measures. Safer driving behaviors increased as the curve radius increased, and average speeds rose correspondingly with larger radii. In contrast, the length of the approach tangent had no significant effect on driving behavior or speed. The interaction between radius and tangent length was also found to be non-significant for most performance metrics. Eye movement data revealed that drivers required closer attention for vehicle control in specific segments of the curve, particularly during entry and negotiation phases. The study confirmed that drivers generally adjusted their speed to match the equilibrium speed of the curves, with deviations impacting safety performance. The findings highlight that curve radius is a critical geometric factor influencing driver safety and behavior, whereas approach tangent length does not significantly alter performance. This suggests that road design guidelines should prioritize radius adjustments to mitigate crash risks in curved segments. The study demonstrates the utility of driving simulators in conducting sustainable, cost-effective research on human factors and road safety, providing evidence-based insights for improving highway geometric design and reducing fatalities in rural areas.

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Topics

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• road geometry
• perceptual countermeasures
• eye movements scanning
• rail grade crossings
• steering pattern

Information type

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• Empirical Findings: behavioral performance data
• Methodological Resource: tool software
• Theoretical Contribution: computational model