Epidemiology of Pedestrian-Motor Vehicle Fatalities and Injuries, 2006-2015

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Transportation Safety

Background:

• Pedestrian road safety is a significant public health concern.
• Understanding trends and risk factors in pedestrian-motor vehicle collisions is vital for developing effective safety interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze trends in pedestrian fatalities and injuries resulting from motor vehicle collisions in the U.S. between 2006 and 2015.
• To identify demographic and crash-related factors associated with an increased risk of pedestrian death.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study utilizing data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and General Estimates System (GES).
• Analysis included frequency calculations for fatalities and injuries, and multivariable logistic regression to determine predictors of fatality risk.
• Data spanned a 10-year period (2006-2015), with analysis performed in 2017.

Main Results:

• Over 47,000 pedestrian fatalities and 674,000 injuries were recorded during the study period.
• Fatality rates were highest in the elderly (85+ years), while injury rates peaked in adolescents (15-19 years).
• Key risk factors for death included male sex, age 65+, alcohol involvement, nighttime crashes, non-intersection locations, and involvement with trucks or buses.

Conclusions:

• Modifiable factors significantly increase the risk of death in pedestrian-motor vehicle collisions.
• Recommendations include implementing elder-friendly intersection designs and enhancing pedestrian visibility to reduce injuries and fatalities.