What Could Stop Pedestrian Death Rates From Rising?
In early September 2016, the city of San Diego released the findings of a city audit regarding pedestrian safety. The audit highlights a number of problems in current pedestrian safety practices and some solutions for resolving the situation. Vision Zero, a project adopted in 2015 and optimized to include audit suggestions in 2016, serves as the city’s strategic plan for reducing pedestrian fatalities over the next several years.
Key Audit Findings
From 2001 to 2015, 8,000 pedestrians suffered injuries in the city of San Diego and 270 died after being struck in a car accident. During the three-year period from 2013 – 2015, 66 pedestrians died in traffic accidents, highlighting a sharp rise over previous years. Other key statistics that frame the seriousness of the issue include:
- Pedestrian accidents are more likely to result in serious injury, long-term disability, and death when compared with vehicle vs. vehicle accidents.
- Rising safety concerns directly impact the city’s ability to enact Climate Action Plan (CAP) changes centering on the reduction of pollution via public transportation and walking-friendly areas.
- Aging infrastructure, distractions, and an increase in the number of travelers/pedestrians in the city all contribute to the rise in pedestrian accidents.
- According to data from the San Diego Police Department in the audit, pedestrians were at fault for 53% of incidents and drivers were at fault for 44% of incidents during the period from 2013-2015.
In addition to the high rate of fatalities and injuries, the auditors considered current infrastructure efforts. High-risk areas received little to no improvements, while low-risk areas often received unnecessary updates. For example, 207 improved intersections saw two or fewer accidents over a 10- year period, while high-risk, non-improved areas saw 12 serious injuries.
The five main audit findings suggest:
- The city of San Diego can use existing data to improve infrastructure in high-risk areas first. Many high-risk areas feature outdated structures and support systems.
- If police officers focus on pedestrian-related, high-risk violations, both drivers and pedestrians will engage in safer behaviors, thereby reducing the risk.
- Data also can support enforcement operations in high-risk areas. If the city combines high-risk violation targeting with high-risk locations and education programs, they may effectively reduce instances of pedestrian injury and death.
- The city needs a comprehensive education and outreach campaign to drive awareness and behavior changes.
- The Vision Zero task force, created in 2016, should develop strategies, metrics, and reporting to support awareness and accountability across the city.
Addressing these five findings will hopefully curtail pedestrian accidents and injuries across the city. If effective, Vision Zero, which focuses on changes in infrastructure, enforcement, and education, will successfully eliminate most or all traffic deaths and injuries by 2025.
Stay Safe as a Pedestrian in San Diego
For San Diego’s commitment to Vision Zero to work, everyone needs to get involved. Immediate changes will go into effect over the next few months, while other changes have extended deadlines. As a pedestrian in the city, use these tips to reduce your risk of a collision:
- Avoid walking while distracted. If you need to text or play a game, stop in a safe place for a moment. Distractions while driving and while walking contribute to deadly accidents.
- Make yourself visible. Wear brightly colored clothing, reflectors, or use a flashlight in high-traffic areas and at night.
- Cross the street in designated areas, and make eye contact with drivers. If possible, use a crosswalk to traverse the road. Make eye contact with nearby drivers to ensure they see you and yield.
- Pay attention to city notices and recommendations. Over the next several years, educational outreach programs will play a heavy role in pedestrian safety. Get active and help others recognize safe driving and walking activities.
Pedestrian safety requires a commitment to safety from the city and the community. Use these tips to make informed decisions about your own safety and to prevent future pedestrian accidents.