journal article·2023-09-11Open access

Study on the Driver Visual Workload of Bridge-Tunnel Groups on Mountainous Expressways

Bo Zhang, Jingrong Bai, Zhiwen Yin, Ao Zhou, Jue Li

Applied Sciences· Volume 13· Issue 18

Abstract

Mountainous expressways with bridge-tunnel groups are characterized by complex environments and high driving risks, making them crucial sections for highway safety. This study applied eye-tracking techniques to evaluate driving safety and comfort in bridge-tunnel groups. Drivers’ pupil diameter and fixation point distribution were measured in real vehicle tests. The influence of tunnel length, adjacent tunnel spacing, and natural lighting on drivers’ pupil diameters were compared and analyzed. The maximum transient velocity of pupil area was introduced to describe the drivers’ visual load and driving comfort. The results indicate that the driving workload reaches its maximum in the first tunnel in bridge-tunnel groups and is positively correlated with the tunnel length in other sections. Excessive or insufficient distance between adjacent tunnels is detrimental to driving comfort. The driving workload is higher at night compared to during the day. Moreover, the greater tunnel length in bridge-tunnel groups and the larger number of tunnels, suggest a higher driving workload for drivers. Above all, strengthening the design and management of bridge-tunnel groups in mountainous expressways is necessary.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Traffic and Road Safety · Human-Automation Interaction and Safety · Safety Warnings and Signage

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

School of Civil Engineering, Chongqing Jiaotong University, Chongqing 400074, China

School of Traffic and Transportation, Chongqing Jiaotong University, Chongqing 400074, China

Funding

National Social Science Fund of China

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