Safety messages and visibility of vulnerable road users for drivers.

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility of enhancing the visibility of motorcycles and pedestrians for motorists via safety messages concerning the vulnerability of these road users. Background In several cases of collision between cars and vulnerable road users (VRU), car drivers failed to detect the latter in time to avoid collision because of their low conspicuity. Method 2 groups of 17 motorists (23.6 years old) carried out a VRU detection task in 2 sessions in a car-driving simulator after either watching or not watching a film presenting safety messages about the vulnerability of these road users. Participants had to detect pedestrians and motorcyclists standing at the road side or who appeared on different parts of the road. Results The group of motorists who watched the film detected these VRUs at a greater distance and drove safely in zones which constitute a high risk of collision for pedestrians (key areas). Only the intensity of anger felt after the film can explain the improvement in VRU visibility distance. Moreover, this improvement was also associated with a modification in speed management in key areas. This last result provides evidence of the importance of top down processes in the detection of VRUs by motorists. Conclusion The film enhanced VRU visibility and led to safer driving behaviour for pedestrians. Application The practical implications of these results for safety campaigns and future directions of research on the emotional states of motorists and their perception during driving are considered. Short abstract We examine motorists’ ability to detect motorcycles and pedestrians (VRUs) in a simulated car-driving task after watching a film presenting safety messages about VRU vulnerability. Informed motorists detect VRU sooner and drive in a safer way for pedestrians. We also consider practical implications and futures lines of research related to safety campaigns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]