摘要: |
Across the United States, walking is one of the most dangerous modes of transportation with 20.1 fatalities per 100 million miles traveled (Surface Transportation Policy Partnership (STPP), 2004). In 2009, Florida reported the highest rate of pedestrian fatalities, 2.51 deaths per 100,000 residents, nearly twice the national average of 1.33 per 100,000. Compared to other age groups, older adults are significantly more likely to be injured or killed in pedestrian crashes. Although those aged 65 and up make up only about 13% of the population, this age group accounted for 18% of all pedestrian fatalities, more than any other age group (NHTSA, 2009). We began by conducting a thorough examination of an existing data set to gain a better understanding of the common characteristics, if any, of parking lot collisions(Task 1). Next, we conducted an observation study of younger, middle-aged, and older adult pedestrians navigating parking lots in the Tallahassee, FL, area (Task 2). Finally, we conducted a field study using a mobile eye-tracking device to learn more about pedestrians' allocation of visual attention as they navigated parking lots (Task 3). |