Pedestrian fatalities on urban arterial roads at night: an in-depth crash analysis and three case studies (AAA Foundation)

The number of pedestrians killed on U.S. roads and streets has increased by more than 80% since reaching its modern-era record low in 2009. While the contributions of factors such as vehicle size and driver behavior have been the subject of extensive research, two additional factors also stand out: time of day and location. Virtually the entire increase in pedestrian fatalities since 2009 has taken place in darkness, and the vast majority of it has been on urban arterial roads. The purpose of this study was to investigate factors contributing to pedestrian fatalities in darkness on urban arterial roads, to increase awareness of the issue among transportation professionals as well as the public, and to build support for effective countermeasures to reverse the increasing trend.

The research team performed an in-depth investigation of a representative pedestrian fatality in Chapel Hill, NC, using a formal process designed to identify not only the most proximal contributing factors (e.g., road user behavior) but also broader social, environmental, and policy factors that set the stage for such a crash to take place. The investigation included in-person examination of the crash scene and video of the crash, review of the police crash report and related media reports, and consideration of relevant local, state, and federal policies, programs, and plans. Then, the research team performed case studies in three specific cities with varying levels and trends in pedestrian fatalities—Albuquerque, NM; Charlotte, NC; and Memphis, TN—in an attempt to elucidate factors associated with pedestrian fatalities in those cities as well as efforts to address them. Analysis of local crash data, policy scans, and interviews with city officials were used to examine the characteristics of locations and neighborhoods where pedestrian injuries and deaths occurred, as well as the policy landscape related to pedestrian safety in each city. The report discusses the findings of the crash investigation and case studies in the context of the current body of evidence regarding pedestrian safety and measures to improve it.

The results of this study highlight the many complex and interconnected factors influencing pedestrian fatalities on urban arterials at night.

Access the AAA Foundation website to learn more about pedestrian fatalities on urban arterial roads at night to learn more.