In some parts of Sweden peaked caps of highly conspicuous, fluorescent colours have been given to all beginners when they begin school at the age of seven. The main purpose of this undertaking has been to make car drivers more aware of all the new child pedestrians. In order to get a better basis for an evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages of the caps two studies were made concerning: 1) the possibility that the caps give the children a false, or exaggerated, feeling of security; and 2) the behaviour of car drivers in front of children, with and without caps, at pedestrian crossings. Indications of a false feeling of security were found during interviews in classes, in which the children had been given caps the year before. A closer analysis revealed that this rather indicated some deficiencies in the introduction of the caps. The study of car driver behaviour was very limited, but it seem that at least at some locations the caps contribute to a somewhat lowered approach speed to the crossing. The caps also seem to make the drivers observe the children significantly better.
Abstract