Relationship between the use of portable audio devices and taking notice of the approach informing sound of quiet vehicles

Abstract

Lively discussion about the approach informing sound of quiet vehicles is being conducted; however, people often listen to media on portable audio devices in various environments and may not notice the approach informing sound. To clarify the relationship between the use of portable audio devices and the experience of encountering dangers associated with the approach of quiet vehicles, a questionnaire survey was conducted with 158 university students. Portable audio device ownership was 99.3%; only one respondent reported not owning such a device. Twenty-two respondents (15.5%) had encountered dangerous situations while using these devices outdoors. Thirteen respondents reported that they had experienced near-misses with vehicles while walking or biking, and seven reported that the vehicles were quiet vehicles. Multiple correspondence analysis revealed some differences in the usage habits of portable audio devices between the users who had and had not encountered dangerous situations. To improve notification effectiveness of quiet vehicles, usage habits related to portable audio devices, especially concerning young people, should be considered. In addition, means of preventing portable audio device users’ tendency to “tune out” other sounds should be addressed.