A field evaluation of driver eye and head movement strategies toward environmental targets and distractors

Abstract

A new systems approach for evaluating field performance of drivers is presented in a practical experimental demonstration. The emphasis reflected in this paper is on driver head and eye movement behaviour toward environmental targets and distractors. A unique video technology set-up was designed to record eye and head movements. Simultaneous video-tapings of driver eye/head movements and the environmental scene were time synchronised. Two intersections (one busy and one quiet) were carefully selected and analysed for their static and dynamic visual targets and distractors. A subject made 40 repetitive left-turns alternately at busy and quiet intersections in a naturally moving traffic environment. Both head movement patterns and eye movement frequencies differed significantly between the two intersections. Results suggest that the eye and head movements are highly dependent upon the type of turn configuration, type and frequency of targets, type and frequency of distractors, and traffic control configurations.