Highlights ► Auditory cues are important for safe decision-making in pedestrian settings. ► We examined vehicle detection and localization in a sample of 35 adults and 50 children. ► Vehicle detection and localization varied significantly by age. ► Speed and direction of approach also played important roles. ► Implications of children's use of auditory cues for pedestrian safety are discussed.
Abstract Pedestrian safety is a significant problem in the United States, with thousands being injured each year. Multiple risk factors exist, but one poorly understood factor is pedestrians’ ability to attend to vehicles using auditory cues. Auditory information in the pedestrian setting is increasing in importance with the growing number of quieter hybrid and all-electric vehicles on America's roadways that do not emit sound cues pedestrians expect from an approaching vehicle. Our study explored developmental differences in pedestrians’ detection and localization of approaching vehicles. Fifty children ages 6–9 years, and 35 adults participated. Participants’ performance varied significantly by age, and with increasing speed and direction of the vehicle's approach. Results underscore the importance of understanding children's and adults’ use of auditory cues for pedestrian safety and highlight the need for further research.
Developmental differences in auditory detection and localization of approaching vehicles
Accident Analysis and Prevention ; 53 ; 1-8
2012-12-19
8 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
Developmental differences in auditory detection and localization of approaching vehicles
Online Contents | 2013
|Auditory detection and localization of approaching vehicles
Elsevier | 2011
|Auditory detection and localization of approaching vehicles
Online Contents | 2012
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