HAROLD

Lead Research Organisation: University of Leeds
Department Name: Institute for Transport Studies

Abstract

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Description The pedestrian simulator has been used to understand pedestrian crossing behaviour in response to a range of approaching vehicles in VR - approaching at
1. different speeds
2. with different time gaps
3. at different traffic settings (crossroads, zebra crossing, unsignalised junctions)
4. with or without external Human Machine Interfaces (eHMI)

Overall, results show that
1. Pedestrians have a bimodal crossing pattern: they either cross when the vehicle is very far away, or when it has clearly stopped to give way to the pedestrian
2. eHMI can be helpful for resolving ambiguities--> pedestrians cross earlier when there is an eHMI
3. eHMI can also be misleading--> Pedestrian cross when an eHMI is on, even if the vehicle does not yield
4. Pedestrians are more responsive to more familiar eHMI
5. Pedestrians' head movements provide new knowledge about their crossing intentions, which can be useful for future Automated Vehicles (AVs), in terms of understanding pedestrian crossing intentions
6. It is possible to study driver-pedestrian interactions in VR - which provides new knowledge for developing more socially acceptable AVs
7. Infrastructural cues can help clarify pedestrian behaviour: pedestrians cross earlier in the presence of zebra crossings

New innovations have also been achieved by
1. connecting the pedestrian simulator with our driving simulators
2. Connecting the pedestrian simulator with a test track in the south of England (Millbrook)
3. Different lighting conditions (day, night, dawn, dusk) are now possible in the simulator
4. A new sound system, provided by National Highways is implemented and used
Exploitation Route This is funding for an infrastructure that is being used extensively for studying pedestrian interactions, as well as understanding users' needs in future cities, how new cities should be designed.
Sectors Communities and Social Services/Policy,Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software)
 
Description Overview of current understanding in driver distraction 
Organisation AECOM Technology Corporation
Department AECOM, Nottingham, UK
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution The team has been advising the Department for Transport and CCAV on research needs for mitigating driver distraction
Collaborator Contribution A joint project to identify areas for further research in this area
Impact A report with recommendations for further research has been prepared between the two teams and we are awaiting news of follow on funding
Start Year 2022
 
Description Literature review and expert workshop - Department for Transport 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact An expert workshop with industrial, policymakers and academic partners with an expertise in driver distraction, to inform further research by the UK DfT
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Panel Discussion DDI 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact International Panel Discussion about the prevalence of distraction and inattention on the road
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://ddi2022.org/2022-program/