A computer-implemented method includes monitoring an environment external to a vehicle via a sensor of the vehicle or a mobile device. The monitoring includes recording audio or video signals based on an output of the sensor. Audio or image recognition is performed via the mobile device based on the audio or video signals. Based on results of the audio or image recognition, objects in an area through which the vehicle is to pass are detected. The method includes determining which ones of the detected objects satisfy a predetermined criteria. The predetermined criteria includes object features that are indiscernible or marginally discernible to a vehicle operator with a perception deficiency. Selected ones of the detected objects that satisfy the predetermined criteria are monitored. The vehicle operator is alerted of the selected ones of the detected objects with an alert predetermined to be discernible to the vehicle operator.