The gaze behaviour of drivers is a
highly selective, dynamic process that ensures precise perception of moving or
stationary objects, speeds and spatial dimensions. The analysis of gaze
behaviour allows the temporal and spatial course of detailed information
inflow, together with shifts of attention, to be explored.

The specific locations and times at
which the driver directs their gaze can be identified through the use of gaze
behavior analysis. By focusing on areas of the highway that are rich in
information, typical gaze behavior patterns can be identified.

The gaze behavior of drivers is largely
determined by the layout geometry of the road and the interaction with other
road users. Previous research has demonstrated that the conditions under which
a driver steers a vehicle along a straight route and within curves are not
equivalent in terms of the physiological strain on the driver and the
concentration of attention. The stress experienced in curves is higher than on
straights, which leads to an increased level of attention. The gaze behavior
observed in left and right curves is characterised by specific gaze patterns
that differ significantly from one another.

Cycling is becoming increasingly
popular, especially in big cities. This is often encouraged through new cycle
lanes that provide safer routes for cyclists. However, accidents involving
cyclists are increasing and cyclists, as vulnerable road users, often suffer
serious injuries. Therefore, it is very important to understand what distracts
cyclists or what attracts their attention and how their gaze behavior changes
under certain influences in real situations. The main goal of
the present study is to assess whether and how objects located on and beside the
roadway, and auditory stimuli distract cyclists' visual
attention, depriving them of the opportunity to perceive important information while
riding the bicycle.

The increasing urbanization, which leads
to an increase in traffic density, the new road user groups, such as

e-scooter riders, the increasing number of accidents among the vulnerable road
users and the demand for environmentally friendly mobility point out the need
to rethink the current transport infrastructure and the associated road safety
concepts. In 2019, e-scooters were permitted for the first time as roadworthy
vehicles in Germany. Since then, e-scooters began to pervade the roads of
German city centers. Due to its flexible application options, the e-scooter is
considered a vehicle for "the last mile" and thus supplementing
public transport, cars, bicycles and pedestrians. The number of e-scooter
riders is increasing on the streets of many German cities, since e-scooters
were approved as a means of transport in Germany in June 2019.

The main objective of this work is to
analyze the visual attention behavior of e-scooter riders based on eye
tracking. So far, there are no published studies on the gaze behavior of
e-scooter riders in real situations known to the authors.

• Prof. Dr.-Ing. Borislav Hristov (Projektleitung)

• University of Zagreb
• Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences