Drone Flights and Worker Visual Attention: A Quantitative Study of Distraction and Hazard Awareness

Drones are increasingly used in construction for progress tracking, safety monitoring, and inspection. However, their presence may divert workers’ visual attention, reducing their ability to recognize hazards and increasing the risk of accidents. While some studies have explored drone-related distractions, few have used quantitative methods, and none have examined how drone flight height and direction affect workers’ hazard awareness. This study investigates this issue using a controlled experiment in a virtual construction environment. Twenty-four participants performed material handling tasks across seven scenes with varying drone configurations using a virtual reality (VR) headset and an omnidirectional treadmill. Eye-tracking data were collected to analyze gaze fixation time and count on hazard areas and the sky. Results showed that drones approaching from the front and flying at lower heights (16 ft and 48 ft) caused the most distraction, significantly reducing visual attention to danger zones. These findings provide insight into how drone behavior can influence worker focus and site safety. In addition, this study contributes a validated, repeatable experimental protocol that integrates immersive VR, spatial audio, and full-body interaction. The protocol offers a scalable experimental protocol for future research on drone-induced distraction and supports the development of safer drone operation practices in construction environments.