This thesis examines the skill of avoiding collisions with approaching moving objects, and in particular the competences of primary-school children and children with motor impairment. Pedestrian road crossing is chosen as the point of departure. As will be explained in Chapter 2, road crossing consists of several component skills, which are all of importance to participate in traffic safely. This thesis, however, does not aim to cover road-crossing behaviour in general, but mainly focuses on three component skills. First, once the pedestrian has found a safe place to cross, he/she must decide if and when to cross the road through the flowing traffic stream. Second, the moment to start walking must be timed carefully, which should not be too late in order to avoid a collision with the successively approaching vehicle. Finally, once crossing is initiated, the spatial-temporal characteristics of locomotion (i.e. path direction and/or walking speed) must be coordinated to the spatial-temporal characteristics of the approaching vehicle(s); for example, if a vehicle accelerates or approaches more quickly than initially judged, walking speed may have to be increased. The overarching goal is to assess whether collision proneness relates to the degree to which the three component skills are mastered by children of different age or physical abilities. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting