Motion Perception and Driving: Predicting Performance Through Testing and Shortening Braking Reaction Times Through Training

摘要

A driving simulator was used to examine the relationship between motion perception and driving performance. Although motion perception test scores have been shown to be related to driving safety, it is not clear which combination of tests are the best predictors and whether motion perception training can improve driving performance. In Experiment 1, 60 younger drivers (22.4 + or - 2.5 years) completed three motion perception tests 2D motion- defined letter (MDL) identification, 3D motion in depth sensitivity (MID), and dynamic visual acuity (DVA) followed by two driving tests emergency braking (EB) and hazard perception (HP). In Experiment 2, 20 drivers (21.6 + or - 2.1 years) completed 6 weeks of motion perception training (using the MDL, MID and DVA tests) while 20 control drivers (22.0 + or - 2.7 years) completed an online driving safety course. EB performance was measured pre- and post-training. In Experiment 1, both MDL (r=.34) and MID (r=.46) significantly correlated with EB score. The change in DVA score as a function of target speed (i.e., 'velocity susceptibility') was most strongly correlated with HP score (r=-.61). In Experiment 2, the motion perception training group had a significant decrease in brake reaction time on the EB test from pre-post while there was no significant change for the control group: t(38)=2.24, p=0.03. Tests of 3D motion perception are the best predictor of EB while DVA velocity susceptibility is the best predictor of hazard perception. Motion perception training appears to result in faster braking responses.