Driver reaction time to lateral entering pedestrian in a simulated crash traffic situation

• We analyzed two road situations, where drivers react to a pedestrian mock-up.
• We studied the reaction time to the mock-up suddenly appearing from the left and right side.
• Driver reaction time in accident situation is a function of TTC time.
• Driver reaction time for the pedestrian mock-up from the left side is longer.

This research is a continuation of study of driver behaviour in accident risk situations, previously conducted by the authors. This research included two new road accident situations. The purpose of this study was to determine the reaction time of drivers to an accident situation involving pedestrians entering in the road area from the left or right side. Research was conducted on the drivers’ behaviour in a simulated traffic situations on a track, which introduced pedestrians into the road area. In this study, an analysis has been conducted on the values of drivers’ reaction times on the accelerator pedal, brake pedal and on the steering wheel. Driver reaction times have been shown as a function of TTC (Time To Collision) which characterizes accident risk situations. Driver reaction time determined on the pedestrian mock-up entering from the left hand side are longer than the reaction times determined for pedestrian mock-up entering from the right side of road. How often drivers performed defensive driving manoeuvers was also assessed. On the basis of data collected, it can be concluded that drivers are more prone to brake (service brake pedal reaction) when a pedestrian mock-up appears from the right side. Avoidance of obstacle for both test variants are almost identical. The conducted research confirmed that the reaction time is approximately a linear function of TTC time. As a result, we suggest that in order to analyze road accidents one should use reaction times dependent on TTC time.