Eye image effect in the context of pedestrian safety: a French questionnaire study

Human behavior is influenced by the presence of others, which scientists also call ‘the audience effect’. The use social control to produce more cooperative behaviors may positively influence road and safety. This study uses an online questionnaire test how eyes images affect pedestrians when crossing a road. Different men, women child with different facial expressions -neutral, friendly angry- were presented participants who asked what they would feel looking at these before signalized Participants completed 20 questions about pedestrian (PBQ). was received 1,447 French participants, 610 whom answered entire questionnaire. Seventy-one percent women, mean age 35 ± 14 years. Eye give individuals feeling are being observed 33%, feared 5% surprised 26%, thus seem indicate mixed results avoiding red light. shown in important factor: feelings increased 10-15% whilst scared or inhibited as expression changed from neutral angry. No link found between our those Pedestrian Behavior Questionnaire shows that eye could reduce illegal crossings pedestrians, key interest practical safety tool. However, effect limited increase this nudge needs further consideration.