Comparative Study of Driver's Reaction to Road Hazards Based on Driving Simulation: Drivers in Hengyang versus Drivers in Beijing

摘要

Road safety has become one of the major social problems in China now with the rapid motorization in both urban and roml areas in recent years. Literatures indicate that human error is the most important mason for road fatalities. Education of drivers for typical and common road hazards could be an effective approach to reduce fatalities. Using virtual reality technologies, this study designed 5 typical road hazard scenarios which are both common and potentially dangerous for the consequence in China. Totally 24 participants of exparienced automobile drivers in Beijing (12) and Hengyang (12) were recruited for the test in comparative study experiment. The objective of this research is to compare whether there are some differences in their response to these five road hazards. Findings of the study are important in understanding how the experienced gain their knowledge and experience in dealing with the common road hazards as well as why there are differences in these two areas. The further impact would be how to design corresponding intervention training program to reflect the differences.