Association between Roadway Intersection Characteristics and Pedestrian Crash Risk in Alameda County, California

Each year from 1998 to 2007, an average of approximately 4,800 pedestrians were killed and 71,000 pedestrians were injured in traffic crashes in the United States. Because many pedestrian crashes occur at roadway intersections, it is important to understand the intersection characteristics that are associated with pedestrian crash risk. The present study uses detailed pedestrian crash data and pedestrian volume estimates to analyze the pedestrian crash risk at 81 intersections along arterial and collector roadways in Alameda County, California. The analysis compares pedestrian crash rates (the number of crashes per 10,000,000 pedestrian crossings) with intersection characteristics. In addition, more than 30 variables were considered for use in the development of a statistical model of the number of pedestrian crashes reported at each study intersection from 1998 to 2007. After the pedestrian and motor vehicle volumes at each intersection were accounted for, negative binomial regression showed that significantly more pedestrian crashes occurred at intersections with more right-turn-only lanes, more nonresidential driveways within 50 ft (15 m), more commercial properties within 0.1 mi (161 m), and a greater percentage of residents within 0.25 mi (402 m) who were younger than age 18 years. Raised medians on both intersecting streets were associated with lower numbers of pedestrian crashes. These results, viewed in combination with other research findings, can be used by practitioners to design safer intersections for pedestrians. This exploratory study also provides a methodological framework for future pedestrian safety studies.