The Estimation of Vehicular Velocity as a Function of Visual Stimulation

Abstract

This study reports an investigation of the ability of subjects to estimate the velocity of the vehicle in which they travel. The experiment restricted sensory stimulation to the visual modality. The factor of interest is locus of retinal stimulation. Velocity and acceleration were the other variables. Time of observation was held constant to one second. Results show that the locus of retinal stimulation is significant in determining the accuracy of the estimates. Peripheral visual stimulation results in more accurate estimates of velocity than frontal visual stimulation. The acceleration of the vehicle alters the results.