Pedestrian Safety

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Over the past few years, pedestrian fatalities have been on the rise. These collisions are caused by a variety of factors, such as pedestrian and driver actions, weather conditions, and road construction. The families involved experience grief and financial stress in the aftermath of these accidents. Lawmakers have tried to combat the rise of pedestrian fatalities through education for pedestrians and drivers, along with changes to road infrastructure. So far, these policies have not done much in keeping pedestrians safe; but there is a new hope in the form of changing traffic signals that has proven to be effective in the cities that have implemented it. 

Pedestrian-Motor Vehicle Collisions

Rise of pedestrian-motor vehicle collisions

The past few years have seen a dramatic increase in pedestrian fatalities. As more people try to maintain an active lifestyle, pedestrians have become commonplace on America’s roadways. Maintaining the safety of pedestrians has proven to be difficult as they walk along roadways that were built without the intention of serving foot traffic. The year 2015 saw a 9.5 percent increase in pedestrian fatalities from 2014 (United States, 2017, Key findings Section, para. 1). This amounted to a pedestrian being killed approximately every 1.6 hours (United States, 2017, Key findings Section, para. 2). The following year, 2016, saw another increase of fatalities, with an 11 percent increase; almost reaching 6,000 fatalities in total (Schaper, 2017, para. 2). Without adequate education and infrastructure changes pedestrian fatalities will continue to rise.

Definition of pedestrian-motor vehicle collision

The increase of foot traffic on America’s roadways has created a problem of right-of-way as both vehicles and pedestrians contend for use. Unfortunately, motor vehicles coming across the path of a pedestrian are not able to stop until it is too late to avoid a collision. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines a motor vehicle collision as any incident that involves one or more motor vehicles where at least one vehicle was in motion and the collision occurred on a roadway, highway, or any other public traffic way (United States, 2017, Pedestrians Sections, para. 1). A pedestrian-involved accident is a motor vehicle collision that also involves a person outside a vehicle; such as someone walking, running, or sitting (United States, 2017, Pedestrians Section, para. 1).

Causes of Pedestrian Collisions

Pedestrian actions

Many things contribute to pedestrian-motor vehicle collisions, and sometimes accidents could easily have been avoided if the pedestrian had taken necessary precautions. Pedestrians run a higher risk of being hit by a motor vehicle if they cross in the middle of the roadway (United States, 2017, Environmental Characteristics Section, para. 2). Drivers tend to be more cautious near intersections where there are traffic control devices and thus, are more likely to see a pedestrian attempting to cross. Night time walking is also extremely dangerous; 74 percent of the accidents in 2015 occurred after sunset (United States, 2017, Environmental Characteristics Section, para. 3). Some roads are not well lit, and if pedestrians do not have reflective clothing or a flashlight it is hard for a driver to spot the pedestrians and may run into them if they are in the vehicle’s path. Drugs and alcohol also contribute to the rise of pedestrian fatalities. Just as it is dangerous to operate a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol, it is dangerous for an impaired person to be walking along the roadway. Alcohol contributed to 48 percent of pedestrian-motor vehicle collisions resulting in death of the pedestrian (United States, 2017, Alcohol Section, para. 1). In 34 percent of those collisions, the pedestrian had a blood alcohol concentration of .08 g/dL or higher (United States, 2017, Alcohol Section, para. 3). Pedestrians need to be wary of how their actions impact their safety and take appropriate cautions when walking along roadways at any time.

Driver actions

Just as pedestrian actions can cause collisions, so can driver actions. Distracted driving shifts attention away from other vehicles and diminishes the ability to spot pedestrians even in the best conditions (Esurance, 2017, Tips for Sharing the Road with Pedestrians, para. 12). Drivers failing to change speed during rainy, foggy, or other weather conditions that limit visibility contributes to pedestrian-motor vehicle collisions as well. If a pedestrian runs out in front of a vehicle during these conditions it will take the vehicle a longer distance to come to a complete stop. Without slowing down during these conditions a driver puts themselves at risk for not being able to stop in time to avoid a pedestrian (Esurance, 2017, Tips for Sharing the Road with Pedestrians, para. 11).

Weather conditions

As much as pedestrian and driver actions can be to blame in pedestrian-motor vehicle collisions, there are factors that cannot be controlled that contribute to these accidents. Weather can play a major role in these collisions. It is not always enough to slow down while driving and wearing reflective clothing when there is reduced visibility. Fog and heavy rain can reduce visibility to less than 1 mile at times. Even if both parties take appropriate safety measures it still may not be enough when visibility is reduced drastically. Pedestrians should take great care to avoid crossing the road without a traffic control device and should take routes that offer sidewalks to lessen the chance of coming across a vehicle’s path during these times. Unfortunately, weather is not the only uncontrollable factor.

Road conditions

To keep America’s roadways safe for vehicles, road construction is a must. At the same time of trying to better roadways construction can cause unforeseen harm. These constructions zones are not always well marked. In cases where a lane gets shut down, drivers wait until the last minute to get over. By waiting they often times have to force their way in, causing other drivers to suddenly stop to avoid a collision. An already dangerous area for drivers, pedestrians can be more at risk in these areas as well. Construction projects can often close sidewalks, leaving the pedestrian to walk on the roadway mere feet way from passing motorists. By using more road cones and other hazard markings to signal to drivers we can help prevent some of these accidents. (Henry, 2013, para. 12). Another idea is to make sure there is a path for pedestrians when a sidewalk gets closed. This helps to ensure that the pedestrian will not hinder traffic by walking in roadway and helps keep them safe by removing them from the path of oncoming vehicles.

Electric and hybrid cars

The unforeseen danger of electric and hybrid cars is often overlooked. While the United States pushes to find greener alternatives to gasoline run cars, safety got overlooked. While electric and hybrid cars are great for keeping neighborhoods quiet, they pose a danger to pedestrians who use their sense of hearing to detect oncoming cars. Battery operated vehicles and hybrids were found to be 40 percent more likely to be a pedestrian-motor vehicle collision than the standard car running on gas. In residential areas the risk jumps up to 50 percent, when speed limits are 35 mph or lower. (Henry, 2013, para. 8). As these cars gain popularity pedestrians must take greater care and be aware of their surroundings.

Effects of Pedestrian Collisions

Emotional distress

When a pedestrian is struck by motor vehicle it is not just the pedestrian who is affected. This evident in Haslam family that resides in the state of Delaware. Theresa Haslam has lost five family members to pedestrian-involved collisions. (Baker, 2015, ‘She had four children’ Section, para. 9). Most recently she lost her daughter, Melissa Livingstone. Her daughter had been walking along a roadway at night with her boyfriend when they were both struck by a passing vehicle. Her boyfriend was seriously injured and Melissa suffered fatal injuries (Baker, 2015, Record highs Section, para. 4). It is not a night easily forgotten by Theresa. Livingstone left behind four children in ages ranging from 9 years to 19 years old. Since the accident the two youngest daughters have had problems sleeping. Haslam herself suffered as well. She was unable to work for the two weeks that followed the tragic news (Baker, 2015, ‘She had four children’ Section, para. 5).

Financial stress

With an already tight budget and added funeral costs, Haslam experienced financial stress added to her grief. (Baker, 2015, ‘She had four children’ Section, para. 6). Funeral expenses can cost thousands of dollars. A casket alone is typically upwards of $2,000. The price of a funeral with a viewing and burial was found to have a median cost of $7,181. If a vault is included, which is typically required by cemeteries, the median cost rises to $8,508 (Statistics, 2017, Costs Section, para. 4). Many families, like the Haslam’s, were unprepared for these costs. Families of fatal pedestrian-motor vehicle collision victims do not have the time to prepare as one might for the death of an elderly or sick relative. While families deal with emotional distress they must also shell out thousands of dollars for their loved one’s funeral; which can add more stress to families like Theresa’s who operate on an already limited budget.

Education

Tips for pedestrians

Many states have created educational programs aimed at pedestrians to teach them safe ways of navigating busy roadways. These tips and more are shown in pamphlets, flyers, bus ads, and billboards across states. Despite different campaigns the safety tips for pedestrians remain the same across the board. Pedestrians are encouraged to utilize sidewalks and paths. If there is no path or sidewalk pedestrians should avoid distractions such as cell phones and remove headphones so that they can hear and see an oncoming vehicle. Pedestrians should also refrain from walking during the hours of darkness. If the pedestrian must go out during these hours they should wear reflective or bright colored clothing and carry a flashlight. When crossing it is best to locate an intersection; if one is not available pedestrians should cross in a well-lit area and wait until there is a gap in traffic that allows adequate time to cross safely. Pedestrians should also avoid alcohol and drugs as they impair your judgement (United States, 2017, Important Safety Reminders Section). There are also educational programs aimed at school age children and their parents.

Tips for parents

Parents are reminded to walk with children under 10 years of age. While every child is different, most children are able to judge the speed and distance of an oncoming car by the time they reach their 10th birthday (Pedestrian Safety, 2016, Top Tips Section, para. 4). Parents are also instructed to be an example for children while teaching them how to safely walk along roadways. In addition to the tips mentioned previously, parents are encouraged to remind their children to make eye contact with drivers when possible before crossing, and to not run in front of or behind cars (Wilson, 2016, para. 6).

Tips for drivers

Educational programs are also aimed at drivers. Drivers are encouraged to be extra vigilant around areas with children, avoid passing stopped school buses and other vehicles stopped at crosswalks, turn and look behind your car when backing up, adjust speed according to weather, avoid distracted driving, and watch out for pedestrians with special needs (Esurance, 2017). Drivers are also encouraged to be extra vigilant when making a left-hand turn. A pedestrian is three times more likely to be struct by a driver making a left-hand turn than by a vehicle turning right. Drivers are also encouraged to follow similar tips provided to pedestrians. These tips include not using your cellphone or other hand-held device while driving and not driving while intoxicated. Both of these things impair judgement and take focus off the road, increasing the drivers risk of not being able to spot a pedestrian and stop in time to prevent a collision.

Law enforcement role

Just as drivers and pedestrians have a duty to maintain their own safety, law enforcement officers also play a role. While many see officers only taking action after an incident; more and more agencies are trying to use preventative measures to help keep roadways safe. Many are familiar with police departments’ use of DUI check-points and the departments have taken that concept of a checkpoint and turned it into preventative tool to keep pedestrians safe.

In Ann Arbor, Michigan the police department conducted a targeted enforcement of pedestrian crosswalks. The enforcement targeted crosswalks that had been deemed problem areas by local residents and police (Stanton, 2013, para. 5). Under the city’s pedestrian safety ordinance, the police officers were able to watch for infractions and make sure pedestrians are able to cross safely (Stanton, 2013, para. 2). City officials also, commented saying that while drivers can be ticketed, so too can the pedestrians (Stanton, 2013, para. 8). The city ordinance says vehicles must stop for pedestrians at a curb or within a crosswalk (Stanton, 2013, para. 3). It also states, pedestrians cannot unexpectedly leave the curb and walk or run into the path of an oncoming vehicle (Stanton, 2013, para. 9).

Police officers are also using the targeted enforcement to help spread safety tips for drivers and pedestrians by passing out informational pamphlets on safety and road etiquette (Stanton, 2013, para. 7). Enforcement and education is what Delaware’s Department of Transportation’s Weiser says is necessary to prevent pedestrian-motor vehicle collisions (Baker, 2015, Government efforts enough? Section, para. 4). Every state has laws regarding right-of-way for pedestrians and motor vehicles; though each state handles it differently. (Pedestrian Crossing: 50 State Summary, 2016, para. 4). For example, nine states along with the District of Columbia require motorists to come to a complete stop if there is a pedestrian in any part of the road. While some states only require motorists to yield if the pedestrian is on the same half of the roadway as the driver. (Pedestrian Crossing: 50 State Summary, 2016, para. 3).

Changes to Road Infrastructure

Sidewalks and lighting

Education is not the only way law makers have tried to cut down on pedestrian fatalities. Federal and state governments have pooled money together to spend on revamping roadways to make them safer. States are increasing lighting along roadways, putting in more sidewalks, and decreasing speed limits (Schaper, 2017, para. 18). Theresa Haslam has become an advocate for pedestrian safety after he daughter’s death. Haslam states that the area where her daughter was struck is dimly lit (Baker, 2015, ‘She had four children’ Section, para. 3). It’s no secret that lighting helps prevent pedestrian accidents. With 74 percent of the accidents in 2015 occurred after sunset it is key to provide enough lighting for drivers to make out pedestrians just as much as they can during day time hours. (United States, 2017, Environmental Characteristics Section, para. 3). Sidewalks are also fundamental in keeping pedestrians safe. Sidewalks allow pedestrians to walk along the roadway on their path; where unless a vehicle jumps the curb, keeps them out of the path of vehicles.

“Barnes dance”

The town of Leonia in New Jersey found a way to stop pedestrian accidents completely. After a fatal accident, the town decided to change the timing on the stoplights at intersections to stop all traffic every other cycle (Kunkle, 2017, para. 5). This type of traffic signal is known as a “Barnes dance” or “pedestrian scramble” (Kunkle, 2017, para. 12) The Chief of Police, Thomas P. Rowe, said that since implementing the new traffic signal over a year has passed and there have been no pedestrian fatalities (Kunkle, 2017, para. 14). The “Barnes dance” has proved to be the most effective solution. The American Journal of Public Health found that collisions involving vehicles and pedestrians were cut in half at intersections with all red traffic stops (Kunkle, 2017, para. 11).

The “Barnes dance” has proven to be the most effective solution so far in combating pedestrian-motor vehicle collisions. While education and law enforcement are crucial in keeping roads safe, they present their own problems. Safety tips provided in the educational handout can always be ignored and law enforcement agencies do not have enough officers to constantly keep an eye out in problem areas for pedestrians.

Future Outlook

Pedestrian-involved motor vehicle collisions are a serious problem in the United States that, if not addressed will continue to rise and negatively impact families and communities across the nation. The impact of these accidents can be felt for years as surviving members of those involved in the accident and family and friends of those involved continue to live. Difficulties experienced by those involved include a multitude of mental illnesses and extend to financial burden for families struggling to work through grief and pay for funeral expenses. Through education, enforcement of laws, and infrastructure changes, the roads can be made safer for pedestrians and prevent further accidents from occurring.

References

References Baker, K. (2015, October 16). Danger: Do not cross in Delaware. The News Journal. Retrieved from http://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/traffic/2015/10/16/danger-do-not-cross- delaware/73444700/

Esurance. (2017). Sharing the road with pedestrians: 7 tips for driving around bipeds. Retrieved from https://www.esurance.com/info/car/sharing-the-road-with-pedestrians

Henry, D. (2013, April 29). Why people get hit: Eight causes of pedestrian accidents. Retrieved from https://www.trafficsafetystore.com/blog/why-people-get-hit-eight-causes-of-pedestrian-accidents/

Kunkle, F. (2017, July 18). Everybody stop: N.J finds simple way to cut crashes involving pedestrians. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/trippingwp/ 2017/07/ 18/everybody-stop-n-j-finds-simple-way-to-cut-crashes-involving-pedestrians/?utm_term =.3f475ea32121

National Conference of State Legislators. (2016, July 7). Pedestrian crossing: 50 state summary. Retrieved from http://www.ncsl.org/research/transportation/pedestrian-crossing-50-state-summary.aspx

National Funeral Directors Association. (2017, July 18). Statistics. Retrieved from http://www.nfda.org/news/statistics Safe Kids Worldwide. (2016). Pedestrian safety. Retrieved from https://www.safekids.org/ walkingsafelytips

Schaper, D. (2017, March 30). Distraction, on street and sidewalk, helps cause record pedestrian deaths. Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/2017/03/30/ 522085503/2016-saw-a-record-increase-in-pedestrian-deaths

Stanton, R. (2013, January 18). Drivers be warned: Ann Arbor police to ticket motorists who don’t stop at crosswalks. Retrieved from http://www.annarbor.com/news/ann-arbor-police-set-to-begin-targeted-traffic-enforcement-at-pedestrian-crosswalks/

United States. Department of Transportation. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2017, February). Traffic Safety Facts (DOT HS 812 375). Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office. Retrieved from https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ ViewPublication /812375

Wilson, S. (2016, April 12). Teaching your child pedestrian safety. Retrieved from https://childrensnational.org/news-and-events/our-blogs/parentingblog/2016/april/ teaching-your-child-pedestrian-safety

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