Perception of distance using rear-view mirrors in a vehicle

Abstract

It is generally recognized that sight is the most important sensory perception used to collect information while driving, comprising up to 90% of the total information collected. It is of great importance that those objects and stimuli that must be perceived to drive safe, are the ones that will be the first to be observed and located by the driver. It is especially demanding when objects are perceived using mirrors in the vehicle. For the above reasons, an experimental study was carried out, which includes the evaluation of the distance with/without rear-view mirrors in the vehicle. The results show the difference in the estimation of distances when a rear-view mirror is used and when the rear-view mirror is not used. The test objects were various colors, so the results involve also this aspect of perception. The above results play an important role in improving the safety of all road users.