Exploring the Visual Attention Mechanism of Long-Distance Driving in an Underground Construction Cavern: Eye-Tracking and Simulated Driving

Abstract

Prolonged driving is necessary in underground construction caverns to transport materials, muck, and personnel, exposing drivers to high-risk and complex environments. Despite previous studies on attention and gaze prediction at tunnel exit-inlet areas, a significant gap remains due to the neglect of dual influences of long-distance driving and complex cues. To address this gap, this study establishes an experimental scenario in a construction environment, utilizing eye-tracking and simulated driving to collect drivers’ eye movement data. An analysis method is proposed to explore the visual change trend by examining the evolution of attention and calculating the possibility of visual cues being perceived at different driving stages to identify the attentional selection mechanism. The findings reveal that as driving time increases, fixation time decreases, saccade amplitude increases, and some fixations transform into unconscious saccades. Moreover, a phenomenon of “visual adaptation” occurs over time, reducing visual sensitivity to environmental information. At the start of driving, colorful stimuli and safety-related information compete for visual resources, while safety-related signs, particularly warning signs, always attract drivers’ attention. However, signs around intense light are often ignored. This study provides a scientific basis for transport safety in the construction environment of underground caverns.