Theses and Dissertations Collection

The present study examined detection and localization of auditory cues from a pedestrian environment among a sample of older and younger adults. Past research suggested normal aging may be associated with declines in physical, cognitive, and perceptual abilities. Relatively few studies have examined the impact of such developmental changes on pedestrian safety among older adults. Developmental differences are explored in relation to auditory detection and localization of sound stimuli collected from a real pedestrian environment. Results by speed condition were similar to past research and age differences were found on two of the three indices of detection and localization. Meaningful interactions also were discovered between age levels and speed conditions. The inclusion of a new score for minimum acceptable crossing distance offered new insight into pedestrians' use of auditory information. Results are discussed in the context of past research and with regard to informing future injury prevention efforts.