Can Time Pressure Compromise Pedestrian Safety? Exploring Situational Awareness in Virtual Reality

Abstract

Situational awareness of pedestrians under time constraints may vary substantially, indicating shifts in their decision-making procedures. Therefore, this study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the effects of varying levels of time pressure on situational awareness indicators like looking towards traffic and signal lights. In addition, this study also examines the influence of crossing speed, non-compliance behaviors and several others on these indicators. A virtual reality pedestrian simulator setup was used to capture the movements of sixty participants at a four-legged signalized intersection. The results show that pedestrian attention to traffic signals and thorough traffic checks while waiting are substantially decreased while they were under high time pressure. Additionally, sides of the crosswalk, i.e., near-end and far-end, also play a significant role in situational awareness. Through this investigation, the study emphasizes the necessity of the preventative measures needed to raise pedestrian safety at signalized intersections by improving situational awareness.