Citation

Austin RL, Klassen DJ, Vanstrum RC. Transp. Res. Rec. 1975; 540: 35-45.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1975, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A driver must perceive objects in the roadway early to avoid accidents. Pedestrians are the most vulnerable of all roadway users, and they must completely avoid accidents to escape injury or death. How conspicuous pedestrians should be at night is explored in this study. Brightness and area are related to subjective driver interpretations of pedestrian conspicuousness. The performance of various reflective surfaces illuminated by the present standard headlight system is compared to the brightness and area requirements found for each level of conspicuousness. The area available for pedestrian visibility enhancement is determined by silhouette area analysis. Applicable reflective treatments are proposed as safety countermeasures, and other potential contributing factors are discussed.