Eye movements in actual and simulated curve negotiation tasks

Negotiating curves in driving situations creates considerable difficulties. We do not fully understand the way that drivers perceive curve characteristics while approaching curves, and how they adjust their speed. Various studies have shown that the radius and angle of curves are two important parameters. Unfortunately we do not know all the cues, their use, their weight in the driving scene and their connections. Existing analyses were obtained on the road are in the laboratory; our studies used simulated driving situations (moving base simulator) for a new approach. Using comparisons of the behaviors observed in actual and simulated driving situations, we studied the anticipation in perception of four curves, by analyzing the distribution of visual fixation and scan path in connection with characteristic conditions of curves (real and simulated situations) and driving experience. Overall, there was an increase in the function of some zones: some indices were missing in the environment, road lines and roadsides were used more for controlling trajectory. This was not totally sufficient, however, and caused a reduction in anticipated driving. In simulated situations, the speedometer was used more than in real situations. Mean fixation time was shortest in real situations then in simulated situations. This can serve to demonstrate that indices are more difficult to extract from synthesized images. Experienced drivers had shorter mean fixation times than beginners and the location of fixations seems to be more adapted to curve characteristics. Finally, in methodological terms, we investigated the use of simulators and driver behavior and driving task analysis.