Literature Review on the Preschool Pedestrian [1985]

Phinney, Joanna; Colker, Laura J. (Laura Jean); Cosgrove, M. · 1985 · ROSA P / United States. Department of Transportation. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

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Summary

This 1985 literature review, commissioned by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), addresses the disproportionate risk of traffic accidents faced by preschool children. The study was motivated by accident data indicating that children under six constitute 8% of the population but account for 16% of all pedestrian accidents in the United States, with traffic incidents being the leading cause of death for this age group. The primary objective was to synthesize existing research to inform the development of the "Walking in Traffic Safely" (WITS) program. The review sought to characterize the preschool accident victim, identify developmental and social factors influencing traffic behavior, and evaluate domestic and international traffic safety education programs. The methodology involved a comprehensive search of literature available through August 1980. Researchers utilized computerized databases (ERIC, MEDLARS, Dissertation Abstracts, Psychological Abstracts) and reviewed resources from major libraries, including the Library of Congress and the National Library of Medicine. To gather international data, the team contacted traffic safety experts and organizations in Scandinavia, Great Britain, West Germany, Japan, and other countries, often employing translators for foreign materials. Domestic programs were assessed by contacting Governor’s Highway Safety Representatives and private organizations such as the National Safety Council and the American Automobile Association. The report is structured to answer specific research questions regarding victim demographics, accident patterns, developmental capabilities, and educational interventions. The findings present a detailed profile of the preschool accident victim, highlighting a significant gender disparity. Cross-cultural data consistently show that boys are overrepresented in traffic accidents, with studies reporting that 62% to 74% of victims under four are male. The review analyzes two potential explanations: exposure and behavior. While some evidence suggests boys may have higher exposure to traffic due to parental supervision differences, studies controlling for exposure indicate that behavioral differences are the primary driver. Boys exhibit more aggressive, impulsive, and risk-taking behaviors, such as running into streets without looking, whereas girls tend to be more cautious. Personality traits associated with accident victims include impulsivity and venturesomeness. The review also outlines developmental limitations affecting preschoolers, including egocentrism, poor distance and velocity perception, and limited attention spans, which collectively hinder their ability to navigate traffic safely. The significance of this review lies in its role as a foundational blueprint for the WITS program. By synthesizing developmental psychology and accident data, the report identifies specific concepts and instructional methods appropriate for preschoolers. It evaluates various educational approaches, such as safety towns, media-based programs, and curriculum manuals, determining which features are developmentally appropriate and safety-relevant. The findings underscore the need for educational interventions that account for the cognitive and behavioral limitations of young children, particularly the higher risk-taking tendencies of boys. The report concludes that effective safety education must align with the child’s developmental stage, utilizing explicit instructions and active learning methods to mitigate the inherent risks associated with preschool pedestrian behavior.

Key finding

Preschool boys are disproportionately involved in traffic accidents compared to girls, a trend consistently observed across multiple countries and attributed to higher risk-taking behaviors rather than increased exposure to traffic.

Methodology

review

Provenance

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Topics

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• child pedestrian
• pedestrian behavior perception