Citation

Lucy WH. Am. J. Public Health 2003; 93(9): 1564-1569.

Affiliation

School of Architecture, University of Virginia, PO Box 400122, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA. whl@virginia.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, American Public Health Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12948981

PMCID

PMC1448011

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: I analyzed traffic fatalities and

homicides related to leaving home for routine activities, and considered

connections between these fatalities and the built environment. METHODS: I

analyzed city, county, state, and federal data for traffic fatalities and

homicides by strangers for 15 metropolitan areas, and classified deaths as

occurring in the central city, in inner suburbs, or in outer suburbs (exurbs).

RESULTS: Traffic fatality rates were highest in exurban areas. Combined traffic

fatality and homicide-by-stranger rates were higher in some or all outer

counties than in central cities or inner suburbs in all of the metropolitan

areas studied. CONCLUSIONS: Traffic fatalities are largely unrecognized as a

danger to be factored into residential location decisions. Land use controls

that deter sprawl along narrow exurban roads can reduce the mortality risks

associated with leaving home.