Effect of Warning Graphics Location on Driving Performance: An Eye Movement Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT With the development of cutting-edge technology in the area of driving performance, driver warning systems based on head up displays (HUD) are considered to have the potential to improve driving safety in the future. The location of HUD warning graphics is a vital component to ensure that drivers obtain information the first time and avoid cognitive tunneling when coming across hazards; however, few studies have critically examined this. The present study investigated the advantages of HUD in presenting warning graphics in comparison with traditional head down display (HDD) in vehicles, and further explored the effect of HUD location based on comprehensive indicators, including behavior performance, eye movement data, and subjective assessment. The results revealed that compared with HDD, presenting warning graphics to drivers on HUD could significantly improve driving performance and eye movement patterns, and HUD was the preferential mode for drivers. Results also demonstrated that presenting HUD warning graphics at a location of 8°below the sight line was associated with the worst results in driving performance, eye movement patterns and subjective assessment. Other locations of HUD presentation were not associated with any significant differences for most indicators. These findings have some reference implications for automobile designers as they construct and implement HUD warning systems.