Differences in gaze behavior between driving instructors and older adults during viewing of virtual reality driving videos

This study aimed to analyze gaze behavior when viewing real-world driving videos in a virtual reality (VR) environment. A total of 22 driving instructors and 36 older drivers, all with regular driver’s licenses, participated in this study. Participants watched 360° real-world driving videos using a head-mounted display equipped with eye-tracking functionality (FOVE 0). Areas of interest (AOIs), such as traffic signals and side mirrors, were designated within the videos. Gaze behavior was evaluated using indicators such as time to first fixation, dwell time (DT), and revisit count (RC). In many scenarios, older drivers reached the AOIs significantly later, had shorter DT, and lower RC than those of driving instructors. These differences were particularly pronounced during right and left turns and lane changes, suggesting that older drivers may have insufficient recognition of surrounding risks. In addition, older drivers exhibited delays in visual attention, indicating a lack of attention to the surrounding environment. Gaze analysis in a VR environment is a valuable method for safely evaluating the gaze behavior of older drivers. This study revealed important differences in gaze behavior between driving instructors and older drivers. These findings have practical implications for improving the safety of older drivers. By understanding their unique gaze behavior, targeted interventions can be developed to improve the safety of older drivers.