The current research was aimed at quantifying the potential head-up display (HUD) pedestrian detection benefits for older drivers. In a parked vehicle on a closed-course, test participants were required in rapid succession to read a digital speedometer (positioned either head-up or head-down) and a distant speed limit sign. 24 drivers were tested ranging from 59 to 71 years old. Liquid-crystal glasses were used to limit the driver's view of the forward scene to the time period immediately surrounding display glances. In the second half of testing, subjects were told that during a few trials a pedestrian would appear. On these trials, subjects were to immediately press a button. During these pedestrian trials, results indicated a HUD detection time advantage and a trend toward fewer missed pedestrians with the HUD. Indeed, 7 of the 9 fastest mean pedestrian detection times across all 16 conditions tested occurred in HUD conditions. These results clearly suggest HUDs improve the driver's ability to see forward scene events (and hence, potentially traffic safety) surrounding display glances.
Abstract