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Pedestrian crashes in Washington, DC and Baltimore
David F Preusser1, JoAnn K Wells, Allan F Williams
1Preusser Research Group, Inc., Trumbull, CT 06611, USA. preusser@worldnet.att.net
Accident; Analysis and Prevention
|September 7, 2002
Summary
Pedestrian crash patterns shifted significantly by 1998, with fewer dart-dash incidents but more turning vehicle crashes. Driver and pedestrian errors became equally common, though pedestrians were slightly more often culpable.
Area of Science:
- Traffic Safety
- Urban Planning
- Public Health
Background:
- Pedestrian-motor vehicle crashes remain a significant public safety concern.
- Understanding crash dynamics is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.
- Historical data provides a baseline for evaluating changes in crash patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare pedestrian-motor vehicle crash patterns in 1998 with those from the 1970s in Washington, DC, and Baltimore.
- To identify changes in crash types, precipitating factors, and culpability.
- To inform the development of targeted countermeasures.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of police-reported pedestrian-motor vehicle crashes from Washington, DC (N=852) and Baltimore (N=1234) for 1998.
- Application of coding procedures established in the 1970s to determine crash type, precipitating factors, and culpability.
- Comparison of 1998 data with historical crash data from the 1970s.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in midblock dart-dash crashes (from 37% to 15% in Washington).
- An increase in turning vehicle crashes, particularly those involving failure to yield at intersections (from 9% to 25% in Washington).
- Near-equal distribution of critical errors between drivers and pedestrians; pedestrians were slightly more often culpable (50% vs. 39%).
Conclusions:
- Pedestrian crash characteristics have evolved, necessitating updated safety interventions.
- Turning vehicle crashes pose an increasing threat, requiring specific countermeasures.
- A balanced approach addressing both pedestrian and driver behaviors is essential for reducing pedestrian injuries.