Driver attention in urban intersections when crossing paths with cyclists

Conflicts arise when motor vehicles cross cycle paths during turns, often due to drivers neglecting over-the-shoulder glances. This paper examines the visual attention of car drivers at urban unsignalized intersections, considering turning direction, cross traffic, and cyclist approaching from behind.

A study with 44 participants was conducted using a fixed-base driving simulator equipped with an eXtended Reality (XR)-based visual system, which provided 360° immersion and enabled eye tracking for head movements and over-the-shoulder glances. Drivers were recruited based on urban cycling experience (inexperienced/experienced) and driving style (cautious/assertive).

Results showed that in 47.8 % of intersection approaches, participants failed to adequately check for cyclists from behind. Driver characteristics did not consistently reveal traits associated with this neglect. Although cautious drivers with urban cycling experience made fewer mistakes, all groups were generally poor at checking for cyclists from behind. Post-drive questionnaire results on rule knowledge showed that, across participants, only half of the requirements to check for cyclists approaching from behind were indicated correctly.

Drivers are more consistent in checking for cross-traffic, suggesting the neglect to check for cyclists is systemic rather than individual. The lack of awareness among drivers about their obligation to check for cyclists can be attributed to the less obvious nature of this traffic stream, as it comes from behind and lacks signs or warnings. Checking over the shoulder is physically more effortful, and cyclists may often pre-empt collisions, reinforcing drivers’ mental models to turn without checking. To improve safety, changes counteracting systemic biases against cyclists are needed.