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Edition 17: Pedestrian Safety

October 2004

     

 

 

 

Yes! It is back to school time. That means that the number of pedestrians on the street – including children going to and from school - will increase. Although you may not feel that pedestrian safety represents a large portion of the motor vehicle-related fatalities in the US, it is a significant area of injury prevention emphasis and represents the second largest setting for fatalities behind motor vehicle occupant deaths (NHTSA). In order to ensure each pedestrian’s safety, the responsibility is on both the drivers on the roads and the pedestrians.

Data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) identified three groups that have the greatest risk of getting into a fatal crash. These are males, working adults, and elderly persons (70 and older). The reasons for an increased risk vary depending upon the group; however, facts cannot be neglected.

Today, the walk signals (including countdown timers), crosswalks, signage and sidewalks assist pedestrians to be safe on and near roadways. Is that enough? Crashes can occur when a vehicle crosses an intersection when the light is red, or when a pedestrian gets distracted while walking in a crosswalk. That is why pedestrians should NOT be solely dependent on the walk signals, crosswalks, and sidewalks to ensure safety.

 

 

    
 

Tips to increase your safety while walkings:

  • Always walk on the sidewalk.
  • See and be seen!! Bright colored clothing makes it easier for drivers to spot you.
  • Stay out of the driver's blind spots.
  • Carry a flashlight when walking in the dark.
  • Try to make an eye contact with drivers before crossing.
  • Don’t just follow the pedestrian signal. Look around to ensure safety.
  • Cross only at corners or marked cross walks.
  • Stop at curbs or the edge of the road, corner or parked vehicle before proceeding across.
  • Stop and look left, then right, then left again.
  • If a car is parked where you are crossing, make sure there is no driver in the driver.
 
     

 

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- Pedestrian Incident Statistics -

  • On the average, 1 pedestrian is killed in a traffic crash every 109 minutes, and 1 is injured every 7 minutes (NHTSA).
  • Pedestrian fatalities accounted for 86% of all non-occupant fatalities in 2002.
  • 4,808 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in 2002.
  • 71,000 pedestrians were injured in traffic crashes in 2002.
  • Most pedestrian fatalities in 2002 occurred in urban areas (71%), at nonintersecting locations (78%), in normal weather conditions (89%), and at night (65%).
  • 38% percent of all pedestrians 16 years of age or older killed in traffic crashes in 2000 had alcohol in their system (NHTSA 2003).
  • Pedestrian injuries and fatalities result in $20 billion in societal costs annually.

 

LINKS OF INTEREST:

 

 

 

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Pedestrian Safety Section

  
 
   
 
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
  
 
   
 
U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration
  
 
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

George Mason University’s Center for the Advancement of Public Health has completed numerous traffic safety campaigns.  To review and download these campaigns and others, visit: http://www.caph.gmu.edu/Campaigns.htm

 

 

 

 

 

 

Funded by a grant from

 

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 27412
Richmond, VA 23269

http://www.dmv.state.va.us

 

 

 

 

 

 

George Mason University

Center for the Advancement of Public Health

4400 University Dr., MS1F5

Fairfax, VA 22030-4444

http://www.caph.gmu.edu