The perception of pedestrians from the perspective of elderly experienced and experienced drivers.
We examined hazard perception (HP) abilities among elderly experienced and experienced drivers, with regard to the presence of pedestrians in residential areas. Two evaluation methods were used: (a) observation of traffic scene videos and pressing a button when a hazardous situation was identified, and (b) driving in a driving simulator. The results of the video observation method showed that elderly drivers had a longer response time for hazard detection. In addition, four of the eight pedestrian-related events were difficult for elderly drivers to perceive when compared to experienced drivers. Elderly drivers, shown to have limited useful field of view, may also be limited in their ability to detect hazards, particularly when located away from the centera straight stretch of Louisiana Highway 46, a two-lane highway. Plaintiffs' daughter, Katherine, was standing on the shoulder of the south-bound lane of the highway with three other girls, all 13 years of age. One of the girls crossed the highway while defendant's car was a safe distance away in the north-bound lane, and a dump truck was proceeding in her direction in the south-bound lane. Immediately after the dump truck had passed the three remaining girls, who had not yet crossed the highway, Katherine ran out across the highway by herself, and was struck by defendant's automobile.
Plaintiffs allege that defendant Walton was negligent in failing to maintain a proper lookout and driving at a high speed in the presence of children. Defendant denies negligence on his part