How eye movement and driving performance vary before, during, and after entering a long expressway tunnel: considering the differences of novice and experienced drivers under daytime and nighttime conditions

Wang, Yonggang; Wang, Longjian; Wang, Chen; Zhao, Yangdong · 2016 · OpenAlex-citations

DOI: 10.1186/s40064-016-2148-y

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Summary

This study investigates how driver visual behaviors and driving performance change during the transition from open roadways to long expressway tunnels, specifically comparing novice and experienced drivers under daytime and nighttime conditions. The research is motivated by the high risk of accidents at tunnel entrances, where rapid changes in illumination cause visual shock and difficulty in information acquisition. Since over 60% of tunnel accidents occur at entrance zones, understanding the visual adaptation process is critical for improving safety infrastructure and driver education. The researchers conducted an on-road driving experiment on the G5 Expressway in Shaanxi, China, involving 18 participants (nine novice drivers with less than three years of experience and nine experienced drivers with an average of 6.74 years). Using a Smart Eye Pro 6.0 eye-tracking system and vehicle sensors, the study captured fixation counts, fixation duration, saccade frequency and amplitude, and driving metrics such as speed, steering wheel angle, and lateral deviation. Data were analyzed across three zones: the approaching zone (250–150 m before the entrance), the transition zone (150 m before to 150 m inside), and the inside zone (150–250 m inside the tunnel). Tests were performed during both day and night to assess the impact of lighting conditions. The results indicate that the transition zone significantly alters driver behavior. Both novice and experienced drivers increased their number of fixations and saccades while approaching the tunnel, reflecting heightened information search efforts. However, novice drivers exhibited a longer adaptation period, with fixation counts peaking closer to the entrance compared to experienced drivers. Fixation durations decreased sharply upon entering the tunnel, indicating intensified focus, before stabilizing. Saccade amplitudes decreased in the transition zone as drivers narrowed their visual search to the immediate path. Driving performance data showed that drivers reduced speed and minimized steering adjustments in the transition zone. Notably, novice drivers drove more conservatively, with lower speeds and greater lateral deviation, particularly during nighttime tasks. Night driving generally resulted in lower fixation durations and reduced saccade speeds for all participants, suggesting increased cognitive load and caution. The study concludes that tunnel entrances are hazardous due to the visual and psychological adaptation required. Novice drivers and nighttime driving conditions exacerbate these risks. The authors recommend educational interventions to prepare drivers for tunnel entry, emphasizing cautious driving and attention to traffic flow. Infrastructure improvements are also suggested, including easily identifiable tunnel frames, traffic signs placed at least 170 meters before the entrance, and gradually changing LED lighting in the transition zone to mitigate visual shock. These findings provide actionable insights for reducing crash risks and improving safety design in highway tunnels.

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Topics

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• dark adaptation mesopic
• eye movements scanning
• work zones

Information type

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• Empirical Findings: behavioral performance data