A comparison of daytime and nighttime pedestrian road-crossing behavior using an immersive virtual environment

AbstractObjectiveReduced visibility for both drivers and pedestrians is a key factor underlying the higher risk of vehicle-pedestrian collisions in dark conditions. This study investigated the extent to which pedestrians adjust for the higher risk of road crossing at night by comparing daytime and nighttime pedestrian road crossing using an immersive virtual environment.MethodParticipants physically crossed a single lane of continuous traffic in an immersive pedestrian simulator. Participants were randomly assigned to either the daytime or the nighttime lighting condition. The primary measures were the size of the gap selected for crossing and the timing of crossing motions relative to the gap.ResultsThe results showed that there were no significant differences in gap selection or movement timing in daytime vs. nighttime lighting conditions. However, there was a marginal increase in the time to spare after crossing the road when crossing in the dark, likely due to an accumulation of small differences in gap choices and movement timing.ConclusionThis study suggests that pedestrians do not adjust their road crossing to account for greater risk at night. As such, this study adds to our understanding of the potential risk factors for pedestrian injuries and fatalities in nighttime conditions.

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    • © 2022 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC 2022. Abstract reprinted with permission of Taylor & Francis.
  • Authors:
    • Subramanian, Lakshmi D.
    • O’Neal, Elizabeth E.
    • Mallaro, Sophia
    • Williams, Breanna
    • Sherony, Rini
    • Plumert, Jodie M.
    • Kearney, Joseph K.
  • Publication Date: 2022-2

Language

  • English

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  • Accession Number: 01840783
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Mar 29 2022 9:32AM