Citation

Snyder MB. Highw. Res. Rec. 1972; 406: 21-27.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1972, National Research Council (U.S.A.), Highway Research Board)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Each year there are about 400,000 pedestrian accidents, of which 10,000 are fatal. These figures represent a 36% increase over those for 1958. There are three main approaches to reducing pedestrian casualties: Preventing predestrian--vehicle conflicts, developing safer behavior, and modifying impact dynamics. The second of these, which is the theme of the present study, is based on restricting participants action possibilities, enhancing their capability to act safely, and enhancing their predisposition or tendency to act safely. Its underlying contention is that traffic engineering can be most effective when it is part of a comprehensive local pedestrian safety program. Data were collect on more than 2100 pedestrian accidents that occurred in 13 major u.S. Cities over a 10-month period. Three conclusions emerged from the study. First, there are distinct types of pedestrian accidents that require separate attention. These types can be differentiated by the sequence of events and behavior leading to the collision, factors that predispose the sequence to occur, and the characteristics of the pedestrians, drivers, and vehicles involved. Second, different accident types occur more frequently in different areas of the city. Third, pedestrian search and detection failures are frequent causal factors. Special attention is given to the relation of accidents to parking angle and to turning movements.

METHODS for prevention of each type of pedestrian accident are recommended.

Record URL:
http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/hrr/1972/406/406-003.pdf

Language: en

Keywords

TRAFFIC SURVEYS; HIGHWAY ACCIDENTS