  An increasing number of studies employ virtual reality (VR) to evaluate
interactions between autonomous vehicles (AVs) and pedestrians. VR simulators
are valued for their cost-effectiveness, flexibility in developing various
traffic scenarios, safe conduct of user studies, and acceptable ecological
validity. Reviewing the literature between 2010 and 2020, we found 31 empirical
studies using VR as a testing apparatus for both implicit and explicit
communication. By performing a systematic analysis, we identified current
coverage of critical use cases, obtained a comprehensive account of factors
influencing pedestrian behavior in simulated traffic scenarios, and assessed
evaluation measures. Based on the findings, we present a set of recommendations
for implementing VR pedestrian simulators and propose directions for future
research.
