Exploring visual attention dynamics in tram driving. Differentiating between expert and novice drivers for Gaze-enhanced training

Authors

• Anna Warchoł-Jakubowska
• Krzysztof Krejtz
• Filippo Baldisserotto
• Iga Stasiak
• Izabela Krejtz

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

2026

Subject Area

ridership - drivers, planning - safety/accidents, planning - methods

Keywords

Tram driving, Novices, Experts, Visual attention, Eye tracking, Entropy

Abstract

The present eye-tracking study explores differences in the dynamics of visual attention in tram drivers with different levels of expertise while driving a tram simulator. Experienced (n = 25) and novice (n = 20) drivers performed a simulator drive on a pre-programmed route with three tasks: tram stop operations, track hazards, and turn-taking. These situations elicited different attentional dynamics as a response to task requirements.

First, tram stop operations induced less entropy in drivers’ eye movements than track hazards but not compared to turn-taking. At the beginning of tram stop operations, all drivers were mainly focal. While taking turns, novices switched to ambient attention faster than experts. Analysis of attention allocation to windshields and control panels did not reveal significant differences between experts and novices, suggesting these elements were equally important to both groups. Differences emerged in the analysis of mirrors. Experts exhibited significantly longer total fixation time on mirrors at the first turn-taking stage than novices, and more fixations on mirrors when turning, suggesting a higher control of their surroundings. In general, the scanning patterns of experts tend to be more structured than those of novices. Experts’ dynamics between focal and ambient attention was more relevant to the tram operation demands to maintain safety. Based on these findings, visual attention training for novices will be designed.

Rights

Permission to publish the abstract has been given by Elsevier, copyright remains with them.

Comments

Transportation Research Part F Home Page:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/13698478

Recommended Citation

Warchoł-Jakubowska, A., Krejtz, K., Baldisserotto, F., Stasiak, I., & Krejtz, I. (2026). Exploring visual attention dynamics in tram driving. Differentiating between expert and novice drivers for Gaze-enhanced training. Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour, 116, 103432.