Shared space, an urban design approach that aims to minimize segregation between different road users, including pedestrians and vehicles, has been successfully implemented in many countries. The idea of shared space is also important for realizing autonomous vehicles to assist the mobility of disabled people. One of the vital issues in a shared space with autonomous vehicles is to avoid conflicts between autonomous vehicles and other road users. Real-time traffic signs projected onto the ground would be an innovative method to help pedestrians understand surrounding traffic situations. This study investigates how traffic signs on a road surface affect pedestrian behavior. To simulate real-world traffic situations, we used an immersive virtual reality facility named LargeSpace. We recruited 60 participants (male/female ratio:1:1). This study provides an exploratory analysis of pedestrian behaviors while crossing a road in a shared space. Five types of traffic signs were compared in the experiments. The results showed that, as their alertness to traffic signs increased, pedestrians tended to respond more quickly to an incoming autonomous vehicle and deviate further from the center of the road. In conclusion, we can assert that real- time traffic signs convey traffic information effectively and increase pedestrian safety in shared spaces.
Effects of Traffic Signs on Road Surface on Pedestrian Safety During Interactions with Autonomous Vehicles in Shared Space
Springer ser. in des. and Innovation
Human Factors and Ergonomics Malaysia Biennial Conference ; 2023 ; Langkawi, Malaysia August 13, 2023 - August 18, 2023
Human Factors and Ergonomics Toward an Inclusive and Sustainable Future ; Chapter : 40 ; 514-524
2024-05-31
11 pages
Article/Chapter (Book)
Electronic Resource
English
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