Evaluating Pedestrian Behavior in Virtual Reality for Traffic Education Using Eye Tracking
摘要
Pedestrian safety is critical in urban environments, where the rise of electric vehicles and pervasive distractions contribute to complex traffic conditions. This study examines pedestrian behavior through a Virtual Reality (VR) simulation game, designed to replicate real-world urban scenarios. The simulation includes diverse pedestrian crossing situations, incorporating conventional vehicles, electric vehicles (EVs), and scenarios with technological interventions like LED-lit crosswalks. By integrating eye-tracking technology, the VR platform provides insights into how pedestrians react to visual and auditory cues, especially under conditions of auditory deprivation from silent EVs and environmental distractions. The study recruited 50 participants to explore their decision-making processes across these scenarios. Results indicate that while visual cues are dominant, auditory distractions and silent EVs significantly impair safety decisions. Furthermore, technological interventions like LED crosswalks improved pedestrian focus and safety. These findings underscore the need for urban infrastructure improvements and training strategies to address evolving challenges in pedestrian safety.