Intersection Characteristics Associated with Pedestrian Crashes
This project was designed to explore the following question: after accounting for differences in pedestrian and vehicle volumes (measures of pedestrian exposure to crash risk) and surrounding neighborhood variables, which intersection design characteristics are associated with greater numbers of pedestrian crashes? To examine this question, pedestrian volume estimates, crash data, and site and surrounding neighborhood characteristics were gathered at 81 intersections along arterial and collector roadways in Alameda County, CA. More than 30 variables were considered for developing a statistical model of the number of pedestrian crashes reported at each study intersection from 1998 to 2007. After accounting for pedestrian and motor vehicle volume at each intersection, negative binomial regression showed that there were significantly more pedestrian crashes at intersections with more right turn-only lanes, more non-residential driveways within 50 feet (15 m), more commercial properties within 0.1 miles (161 m), and a greater percentage of residents within 0.25 miles (402 m) who are younger than age 18. Raised medians on both intersecting streets were associated with fewer crashes. These results, viewed in combination with other research, can be used by practitioners to design safer intersections for pedestrians. This exploratory study provided a methodological framework for future pedestrian safety studies.
Location: Alameda County, California
Project Time Period: March 2008 to March 2010
Funders: California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and Alameda County Transportation Commission (ACTC). Work was performed at the UC Berkeley Safe Transportation Research and Education Center.
Additional Information: http://trb.metapress.com/content/v8688824w73lkp84/
Location: Alameda County, California
Project Time Period: March 2008 to March 2010
Funders: California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and Alameda County Transportation Commission (ACTC). Work was performed at the UC Berkeley Safe Transportation Research and Education Center.
Additional Information: http://trb.metapress.com/content/v8688824w73lkp84/