An Analysis of Factors Contributing to "Walking Along Roadway" Crashes: Research Study and Guidelines for Sidewalks and Walkways
Source: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
A total of 47 pedestrian crash sites and 94 matched comparison sites were analyzed. Physical design features found to be associated with a significantly higher likelihood of being a crash site are: higher traffic volume, higher speed limit, the lack of grassy walkable areas (next to the road), and the absence of widewalks. In fact, the presence of a sidewalk was associated with an 88 percent reduction in the likelihood of a site being a pedestrian "walking along roadway" crash site, compared to having no sidewalk or walkway.
After controlling for these roadway factors, other factors associated with a significantly higher likelihood of being a crash site included: high levels of unemployment, older housing stock, and more single-parent households. This report also provides recommended design guidelines and placement priorities for sidewalks and walkways. In addition, the report contains the results of a behavioral evaluation of a new sidewalk in Sea Tac, Washington.
