Pedestrian Safety

Everybody is a pedestrian Walking is our most basic form of transportation. Every trip we make, even by car, we begin and end as pedestrians. Many people do not have access to automobiles or even bicycles. Walking can also be a pleasant way to exercise, relax, and socializing.

Condition of pedestrian safety in the U.S The total number of fatalities decreased from 2002 to 2011 The total number of pedestrian fatalities decreased from 2002 to 2011 The percentage of pedestrian fatalities increased from 2002 to 2011 The improving rate of pedestrian safety is less than the overall improving rate in highway safety.

Importance of Pedestrian Safety Pedestrians are the most vulnerable group among all road users. More than 4,000 pedestrians are killed every year in traffic crashes in the United States. More than 70,000 pedestrians are injured. The improving rate of pedestrian safety is less than the overall improving rate in highway safety.

Street Crossings Pedestrians traveling to their destinations have to cross roadways. About 80% of fatal pedestrian collisions occur to pedestrians crossing streets. Although intersections are the main path for crossing the streets, over %75 of the pedestrian fatalities occur at non- intersections.

Intersection Design The design of an intersection affects: Since intersections are the main path for crossing the streets, Intersection design could affect pedestrian safety. The design of an intersection affects: How fast traffic moves. How effectively drivers yield to pedestrians. How effectively pedestrians can avoid those drivers who do not yield to them.

Older Intersections Older intersections in downtown areas developed before the boom in cars use often feature sharp curb return radii at intersections. This forces drivers to slow down before making turns; the reduced speed gives pedestrians and drivers more time to see one another and reduces drivers' stopping distance. These intersections are often safer.

Newer Intersections Newer intersections often feature wide, sweeping turn radii that allow vehicles to turn at high speeds. Often channelized turn lanes are provided to continuously move traffic at all times. Often no crosswalks are painted. These intersections are often challenging, frightening, and dangerous for pedestrian, especially at night.

Signals Signals allow pedestrians and road traffic to use the crossing alternately. most signals are equipped with countdown timers to give notice the time remaining on the crossing signal. Unfortunately, many traffic signals at wide intersections do not provide enough time for pedestrians to complete crossing the street.

Mid-Block Crossings If intersections are wide and fast with added turn lanes, mid-block crossings would be much safer than intersection crossing.

Age, Gender and Pedestrian Safety individuals over 70 years old accounted for 16% of all pedestrian fatalities, while they are only 9% of the U.S. population. Children younger than 15 (roughly 23% of the population) represented 8% of the total pedestrian fatalities and 25% of pedestrian injuries. Gender Male fatality is higher than female fatality rate (70%-30%). The number of walking trips taken by males and females was roughly equal. There is some evidence that in general, males may walk longer distances than females, which may increase their exposure in terms of time and distance as a pedestrian. Males are more likely to take risks or walk in more dangerous locations than females.

Vulnerable Pedestrian Groups Older pedestrians are overrepresented in fatal pedestrian crashes compared to their representation in the general population. Both Hispanic and African-American pedestrians tend to be overrepresented in fatal crashes. Male fatality is almost twice female fatality rate. Children are also slightly overrepresented in pedestrian crashes, but not in pedestrian fatalities.

Pedestrian injury and vehicle speed The faster the vehicle, the higher the risk to the pedestrian. 5 percent of pedestrians would die when hit by a vehicle traveling at 20 mph The pedestrian fatality percentage would rise to about 40 percent for vehicles traveling at 30 mph. 80 percent of pedestrians would die when hit by a vehicle traveling at 40 mph. Almost 100 percent of pedestrians would die when hit by a vehicle traveling over 50 mph.

Alcohol Involvement of Pedestrians and Drivers Alcohol involvement among pedestrians accounted for about 40 percent of all pedestrian fatalities. Alcohol involvement among drivers is about 20 percent when a pedestrian fatality occurred. Both pedestrians and drivers should be made aware of the dangers of alcohol involvement for pedestrians.

Location, Roadway Type and Pedestrian Fatalities: almost %70 of all pedestrian fatalities occurs on urban roads. Over 75 percent of the pedestrian fatalities occur at non-intersections.

Pedestrian Fatalities and Lighting Condition almost %75 of the pedestrian fatalities occur in dark and dark but lighted conditions. Nearly half of all pedestrian fatalities occurred between 6 PM and midnight. Lack of sufficient light affects the ability of drivers and pedestrians to better see each other. pedestrians should wear clothing that is more visible during such light conditions. Pedestrian should be very careful while crossing the roadways with insufficient lighting condition. Drivers should be cautious during such lighting conditions and should watch for pedestrians on roadways. Improving the lighting on public roadways could help improve the situation.

Tips for Drivers Derivers should expect pedestrians anytime and anywhere Drivers must keep a lookout and slow down if they can't see clearly at night or bad weather. When entering a crosswalk area, drivers should drive slowly and be prepared to stop. Drivers must stop for pedestrians who are in a crosswalk, even if it is not marked. Drivers should not overtake and pass other vehicles stopped for pedestrians. Drivers should be especially attentive around schools and in neighborhoods where children are active.

Tips for Pedestrians Use sidewalks where provided. Cross or enter streets where it is legal. Where no sidewalks are provided, it is usually safer to walk facing road traffic. Make it easy for drivers to see you - dress in light colors. Most drivers are nice people, but don't count on them paying attention. Watch out - make eye contact to be sure they see you! Alcohol and drugs can reduce your ability to walk safely. Use extra caution when crossing multiple-lane higher-speed streets.

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