# Sequential Fixation Behavior in Road Marking Recognition: Implications for Design

## TL;DR

This study explores how drivers' eye movements change when recognizing road markings and offers design suggestions to improve visibility and safety.

## Contribution

The study identifies a shift in fixation patterns during road marking recognition and links these to driving speed and marking complexity.

## Key findings

- Fixations become vertically concentrated during recognition, shifting upward and narrowing horizontally.
- Longer fixations correlate with slower speeds for digits and more characters in markings.
- Design recommendations suggest placing essential information centrally or lower for optimal recognition.

## Abstract

This study examined how drivers’ eye fixations change before, during, and after recognizing road markings, and how these changes relate to driving speed, visual complexity, cognitive functions, and demographics. 20 licensed drivers viewed on-board movies showing digit or character road markings while their eye movements were tracked. Fixation positions and dispersions were analyzed. Results showed that, regardless of marking type, fixations were horizontally dispersed before and after recognition but became vertically concentrated during recognition, with fixation points shifting higher (p < 0.001) and horizontal dispersion decreasing (p = 0.01). During the recognition period, fixations moved upward and narrowed horizontally toward the final third (p = 0.034), suggesting increased focus. Longer fixations were linked to slower speeds for digits (p = 0.029) and more characters for character markings (p < 0.001). No significant correlations were found with cognitive functions or demographics. These findings suggest that drivers first scan broadly, then concentrate on markings as they approach. For optimal recognition, simple or essential information should be placed centrally or lower, while detailed content should appear higher to align with natural gaze patterns. In high-speed environments, markings should prioritize clarity and brevity in central positions to ensure safe and rapid recognition.