The Distortion of Visual Space as a Function of Motion: Implications for Vehicle Operators

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore a velocity dependent distortion of visual space which may influence the ability of vehicle operators to accurately judge the distance of objects in visual space. Two experiments were conducted in which observers were driven past (facing either frontward or rearward) pairs of wooden stakes (space between endpoints of stake pairs either filled or unfilled) and asked to judge the distance between endpoints. Results showed that observers greatly underestimated the distance between endpoints of stake pairs when the space between endpoints was unfilled versus filled. Also, underestimation was greatest when observers were facing forward. Results are discussed in terms of practical considerations.