MPC
Research Projects (2000-01)

Identifying Number

MPC-211

Project Title

Evaluating and Improving the Safety of Pedestrian Crossing in Utah

University

University of Utah

Principal Investigator(s)

Wayne Cottrell
Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah

External Project Contact

N/A

Project Objective

• Develop a database of pedestrian crossing-vehicle accidents.
• Identify clusters, indicating locations and demographic groups most prone to pedestrian crossing-vehicle incidents.
• Assess the pedestrian crossing facilities at sites at which accidents involving the identified clusters have occurred.
• Develop recommendations for improving the pedestrian crossing facilities at those sites.

Project Abstract

This research would be performed in response to a recognized need for pedestrian safety improvements. During 199 8, there were 748 reported pedestrian-motor vehicle crashes in Utah. A total of 41 of these involved pedestrian fatalities. The Utah Crash Outcome Data Evaluation System (Utah CODES) has been provided information on automobile accidents in the state since 1992. This database, along with supplementary information from UDOT, would be use d to generate a pedestrian-vehicle incidents database. Cluster analysis and other statistical techniques would be used to measure the similarities between data groups. Upon the identification of clusters, an inventory of transportation supply and demand information would be mad e for the sites at which clustering pedestrian-vehicle accidents have occurred. Field work would be performed to ensure the accuracy of the supply data; some demand information may be obtained, as well. Up to 480 hours of field work, including travel to and from sites, would be performed. The pedestrian facilities

Task Descriptions

• Task 1 – Literature review: pedestrian accident data analysis, pedestrian amenities and facilities, traffic calming measures
• Task 2 – Pedestrian-vehicle accidents data collection: Utah CODES, UDOT
• Task 3 – Identification of accident clusters: demographic groups and geographical location
• Task 4 – Transportation supply and demand data collection: UDOT, field work
• Task 5 – Data entry and formatting
• Task 6 – Data analysis: cluster analysis and other statistical techniques
• Task 7 – Development of recommendations: pedestrian facilities, traffic calming
• Task 8 – Draft and final reports

Milestones, Dates

• Starting Date: July 1, 2000
• Interim Report: March 31, 2001
• Draft Research Report: May 31, 2001
• Ending Date: June 30, 2001

Yearly and Total Budget

Federal $11,965
State $17,859

Student Involvement

Two undergraduate or graduate student research assistants

Relationship to Other Research Projects

N/A

Technology Transfer Attributes

Workshop for UDOT traffic safety specialists and for bicycle/pedestrian program coordinators.

Potential Benefits of the Project

• Improved pedestrian facilities
• Driver education efforts
• Reduced pedestrian injuries and fatalities
• New and modified pedestrian safety standards
• Recommendations for further research into pedestrian safety

TRB Keywords

Pedestrians, pedestrian safety, pedestrian crossings, traffic safety, traffic calming