The University of Iowa's Hank Virtual Environments Lab allows researchers to safely study the factors that put kids at risk when they're biking or walking across the street.

Credit: Hank Virtual Environments Laboratory at the University of Iowa

Adults are able to take visual information and fine-tune their physical responses to it in ways children might not be able to match.

Credit: Hank Virtual Environments Laboratory at the University of Iowa

Children ages 10-12 are actually close to adults in terms of the traffic gaps they deem safe for crossing. The difference is that they have less ability to properly time crossing the street.

Credit: Hank Virtual Environments Laboratory at the University of Iowa

The University of Iowa's Hank Virtual Environments Lab uses high-resolution images projected on the walls and floor to safely study how people interact with traffic. The lab's goal is to reduce the risk of collisions between cars and children on bicycles or on foot. With Department of Transportation support, it is now also looking at the safety issues associated with texting while walking.

Credit: Hank Virtual Environments Laboratory at the University of Iowa

With Department of Transportation support, the researchers at the Hank Virtual Environments Lab are turning their attention to the area of "distracted walking" by studying people who cross the street while texting.

Credit: Hank Virtual Environments Laboratory at the University of Iowa