V2P Collision Warnings for Distracted Pedestrians: A Comparative Study with Traditional Auditory Alerts

V2P Collision Warnings for Distracted Pedestrians: A Comparative Study with Traditional Auditory Alerts Novel Certad ID Graduate Student Member, IEEE, Enrico Del Re ID Student Member, IEEE, Joshua V arughese ID Member, IEEE, and Cristina Olaverri-Monreal ID Senior Member, IEEE Abstract -- This study assesses a V ehicle-to-Pedestrian (V2P) collision warning system compared to conventional vehicle-issued auditory alerts in a real-world scenario simulating a vehicle on a fixed track, characterized by limited maneuverability and the need for timely pedestrian response. The results from analyzing speed variations show that V2P warnings are particularly effective for pedestrians distracted by phone use (gaming or listening to music), highlighting the limitations of auditory alerts in noisy environments. The findings suggest that V2P technology offers a promising approach to improving pedestrian safety in urban areas I. I NTRODUCTION Road traffic accidents are a significant global concern, with a disproportionate number of fatalities and injuries affecting Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs) [1]. Among the various factors contributing to these accidents, pedestrian distraction, particularly due to smartphone use, has become a critical issue. Studies have shown that a substantial percentage of pedestrians engage with their smartphones while walking, leading to reduced situational awareness, increased risky behavior, and a higher likelihood of near collisions and accidents [1] [2].