A street-crossing simulator for studying and training pedestrians
Abstract : This paper presents the Inrets/Ifsttar advanced pedestrian simulator built in Versailles (France), along with various kinds of studies carried out using this device. The simulator is a cave-like device designed for studying and training older pedestrians, so we chose a setup that would be user-friendly and would have few constraints. Visual road scenes are rear-projected on large screens that form a corridor in which the pedestrians can actually walk for a distance of 7 m. First, we give an overview of several comparative studies on the behavior of younger and older pedestrians in two-way street-crossing situations, that have identified some of the difficulties that put older people at a high risk. We then present a study that tests different training programs for older pedestrians, and points out significant safety improvements brought about by behavioral (using the pedestrian simulator) and/or educational programs, but no benefit from cognitive (UFOV®) training. Lastly, we discuss some other ways of using the simulation platform, such as ergonomic studies on information devices for pedestrian navigation and street-worker safety, and studies on social influence in groups of pedestrians.
Keywords : Pedestrian simulator; Pedestrian behavior; Pedestrian training
Cavallo, V., et al. A street-crossing simulator for studying and training pedestrians. Transportation Research Part F (2017), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.trf.2017.04.012
Abstract : This paper presents the Inrets/Ifsttar advanced pedestrian simulator built in Versailles (France), along with various kinds of studies carried out using this device. The simulator is a cave-like device designed for studying and training older pedestrians, so we chose a setup that would be user-friendly and would have few constraints. Visual road scenes are rear-projected on large screens that form a corridor in which the pedestrians can actually walk for a distance of 7 m. First, we give an overview of several comparative studies on the behavior of younger and older pedestrians in two-way street-crossing situations, that have identified some of the difficulties that put older people at a high risk. We then present a study that tests different training programs for older pedestrians, and points out significant safety improvements brought about by behavioral (using the pedestrian simulator) and/or educational programs, but no benefit from cognitive (UFOV®) training. Lastly, we discuss some other ways of using the simulation platform, such as ergonomic studies on information devices for pedestrian navigation and street-worker safety, and studies on social influence in groups of pedestrians.
Keywords : Pedestrian simulator; Pedestrian behavior; Pedestrian training
Cavallo, V., et al. A street-crossing simulator for studying and training pedestrians. Transportation Research Part F (2017), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.trf.2017.04.012
Publisher: Elsevier Date: Available online 23 May 2017 © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.