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Why Kids Act Unpredictably in Traffic

28 September 1999

Why Kids Act Unpredictably in Traffic, AAA Video Shows Kids See, Hear and Perceive Traffic Differently; Drivers Need to be Aware

    SAN FRANCISCO--Sept. 28, 1999--Children perceive traffic much differently than adults do, making it important for drivers to be extra careful now that schools are open, reports AAA of Northern California.
    "Young children's vision and hearing are not as developed as those of older children and adults," said Merry Banks, traffic safety manager at AAA of Northern California. "Drivers should also be aware that children's attention tends to focus on a single subject at a time, and they may not notice oncoming traffic."
    Gov. Gray Davis has declared this month as "School's Open - Drive Carefully Month," urging California motorists to take extra precautions to drive carefully and observe proper road rules around schools and buses.
    The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety just released a new video, "Children in Traffic," which explains why children often behave unpredictably while in traffic.
    There are many reasons why children don't perceive traffic the same way as adults and older children, says AAA, because young children:

--   Often perceive cars as being friendly rather than dangerous;

--   May think if they can see the driver, the driver can see them;

--   Have narrower peripheral vision and poor directional hearing;

--   Have less developed depth perception and difficulty judging
     speed, spatial relations and distance;

--   Don't realize that cars cannot stop instantly;

--   Can't see as far because of their height.
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    "Traffic rules are complicated and can take years to learn," said Banks. "Drivers can compensate by slowing down and leaving more space between themselves and parked cars, sidewalks and children."
    Established nearly 100 years ago, AAA offers a wide array of automotive, travel, insurance and financial services. The California State Automobile Association serves nearly 4 million members and is the second largest regional affiliate of the national AAA organization.