Limitation of driver´s compensation under visual field contraction

This study investigates limitations of driver´s compensation under visual field contraction. Two types are distinguished for the compensation: (A) reducing the vehicle speed, and (B) looking around frequently. An experiment using a driving simulator is conducted to evaluate to what extent accidents can be avoided by compensation. The participants are healthy drivers wearing eyeglasses that contract the participant´s field of view. The results show that even if drivers perform compensation under visual field contraction as much as possible, they do not react early like when they drove normally without visual field contraction because they delay in perception of traffic condition. The accident rate is also high under the condition of visual field contraction. These findings suggest the need to design an assistance system that enhances drivers´ ability to perceive traffic condition for people with visual field contraction.