Speeding, which is related to both the probability and severity of crashes, often results from drivers underestimating their actual speed. One way to reduce crash risk is to increase the salience of edge rate cues, leading to more accurate perceptions of egospeed which typically result in reduced speeds. The objective of this study was to outline a methodology for assessing perceived egospeed using a speed production task in a driving simulator. Three environmental edge rate conditions were compared while having participants drive at a non-referenced speed, at half of that speed, and then at their original speed once more. The methodology was shown to be an effective way to elicit differences in perceived egospeed and resulting speed performance under different edge rate conditions. Results from this research are expected to assist drivers in making safe speed choices. (Author/publisher)
Abstract