Clemson professor recognized for research on pedestrian safety

Published: October 30, 2012

By Evan Lybrand

CLEMSON — Clemson University psychology professor Rick Tyrrell has been awarded the 2012 A.R. Lauer Safety Award from the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.

Tyrrell’s research focuses on visual perception and night vision. The award recognizes his work studying the nighttime visibility of pedestrians.

Tyrrell and his team, who conduct research on open roads and on test tracks, have shown that in typical nighttime conditions pedestrians can incorrectly believe that they are visible to approaching drivers. They have also documented that drivers overestimate their ability to see pedestrians.

Tyrrell has shown that pedestrians who wear clothing with reflective markers on the extremities — specially the ankles and wrists — are more conspicuous to drivers than pedestrians wearing reflective vests.

“Pedestrians wearing reflective vests might feel visible, but an approaching driver might not recognize that a pedestrian is present until it is too late to avoid a horrible collision,” Tyrrell said. “Reflectors that convey a sense of ‘biological motion’ are much more useful.” 

He and his students also have found that educating college and high school students about the limitations of night vision can make them more cautious when walking near traffic at night.

“Pedestrians should never assume that they are visible to drivers at night,” said Tyrrell.  

Tyrrell is a professor in the psychology department focusing on human factors psychology. He has received multiple awards for his research and teaching. He is collaborating with a research team in Australia to find ways to enhance the nighttime visibility of bicyclists and road workers. That work is funded by the Australian Research Council.

The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society was founded in 1957 with the goal of promoting the sharing and discovery of characteristics of humans as they relate to the design of machinery and other devices. The society has 23 technical group members as well has many local and student chapters throughout the United States.

The A.R. Lauer Safety Award is given to a person whose research or contributions to human factors and ergonomics has improved the safety and reduced accidents and injuries.

The award was given at the 56^th annual Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Meeting in Boston Oct. 23.

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