ITSC 2024 Paper Abstract

Paper ThAT14.2

Martin Serrano, Sergio (University of Alcala), Méndez Blanco, Óscar (Universidad de Alcalá de Henares), Worrall, Stewart (University of Sydney), Sotelo, Miguel A. (University of Alcala), Fernandez Llorca, David (University of Alcala)

Cross-Cultural Analysis of Pedestrian Group Behaviour Influence on Crossing Decisions in Interactions with Autonomous Vehicles

Scheduled for presentation during the Poster Session "Modeling, Simulation, and Control of Pedestrians and Cyclists II" (ThAT14), Thursday, September 26, 2024, 10:30−12:30, Foyer

2024 IEEE 27th International Conference on Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITSC), September 24- 27, 2024, Edmonton, Canada

This information is tentative and subject to change. Compiled on December 26, 2024

Keywords Human Factors in Intelligent Transportation Systems, Modeling, Simulation, and Control of Pedestrians and Cyclists

Abstract

Understanding cultural backgrounds is crucial for the seamless integration of autonomous driving into daily life as it ensures that systems are attuned to diverse societal norms and behaviours, enhancing acceptance and safety in varied cultural contexts. In this work, we investigate the impact of co-located pedestrians on crossing behaviour, considering cultural and situational factors. To accomplish this, a full-scale virtual reality (VR) environment was created in the CARLA simulator, enabling the identical experiment to be replicated in both Spain and Australia. Participants (N=30) attempted to cross the road at an urban crosswalk alongside other pedestrians exhibiting conservative to more daring behaviours, while an autonomous vehicle (AV) approached with different driving styles. For the analysis of interactions, we utilized questionnaires and direct measures of the moment when participants entered the lane.

Our findings indicate that pedestrians tend to cross the same traffic gap together, even though reckless behaviour by the group reduces confidence and makes the situation perceived as more complex. Australian participants were willing to take fewer risks than Spanish participants, adopting more cautious behaviour when it was uncertain whether the AV would yield.