A systematic literature review of driver behaviour in blind spot: Assessing risk and influencing factors for enhanced ergonomics in vehicle design

Abstract

Risk associated with vehicle blind spot is a critical concern for road traffic safety that poses a serious threat to drivers as well as vulnerable road users. While driving on the road, it is necessary for drivers to check their mirrors before attempting lane changing, overtaking, turning, or any kind of manoeuvring pattern. But still, there remains some areas around the vehicle that are not visible to driver’s peripheral vision even through checking mirrors, known as vehicle blind spots. In this systematic literature, an overview of the blind spot of vehicles along with the associated risks are explained thoroughly by emphasising its importance by focusing on safety aspects. The considered factors included size and visibility of blind spot, demographic factors that influence drivers’ awareness and behaviour in blind spot; vehicle characteristics associated with design of different components, and also the efficacy of mirrors in enhancing visibility of blind spots. A quick and concise summary of the literature is highlighted in the current review, and finally, some future directions are proposed to not only help the researchers for a better understanding of blind spot-related driver behavioural issues but also benefit the automotive industry and policymakers to make roads safer.