Citation

Connelly ML, Isler R, Parsonson BS. Educ. Treat. Child. 1996; 19(1): 19-29.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1996, West Virginia University Press)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Judgments made by four children between 7 and 9 years of age relating to the possibility of their crossing the road safely in front of an approaching vehicle were investigated. Eighteen gap acceptance trials were conducted at vehicle approach speeds of 20, 30, and 50 kph (12, 18, and 30 mph). The children stood on the curb and indicated the moment at which they could no longer safely cross ahead of the approaching vehicle and the resulting gap was timed.

RESULTS revealed that all 4 participants consistently allowed smaller safety gaps as approaching vehicle speeds increased, and that three children often made potentially dangerous decisions, especially at higher vehicle speeds. The results are discussed in relation to studies of adult drivers' gap judgments and the child pedestrian literature. Further research to determine the generality of the findings is recommended.

Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/42899438

Language: en