Crossing roads in a social context: How behaviors of others shape pedestrian interaction with automated vehicles

• DOI: 10.1016/j.trf.2024.02.008
• Publication Date: 2024-03-04T11:50:45Z
• Authors: Xiaoyuan Zhao; Xiaomeng Li; Andry Rakotonirainy; Samira Bourgeois-...; Zishuo Zhu; Patricia Delhomme
• Keywords: Pedestrian crossing

Automated vehicles (AVs) are going to enter public roads in the near future and will inevitably encounter more than one pedestrian on roads. Very little is known about how multiple pedestrians interact with AVs their external human–machine interfaces (eHMIs). This study investigates social influence of others decision-making process during initial encounters AVs. In a virtual reality experiment, 26 male 55 female participants three experimental conditions made crossing decisions – either alone or next other simulated front equipped abstract eHMIs showing yielding non-yielding intentions. The results show that behaviors significantly influenced decisions. While appropriate contributed faster decision-making, misleading led riskier greater difficulty understanding eHMIs. However, impacts from disappeared once became familiar Qualitative data revealed acquired knowledge through direct experience, observing others, drawing past experiences. Additionally, there was tendency among certain overly rely misuse To ensure safe deployment AVs, it therefore essential adequately educating this novel technology optimize eHMI designs for effective communication pedestrians.