2384 - Risk Factors for Pedestrian Injury on Tribal Lands

Abstract

Background American Indians have the highest rate of pedestrian death per capita among ethnic groups in the United States. In North Dakota, the incidence rate for pedestrian involvement in crashes 3.9% on tribal lands compared to less than 0.1% among other rural populations in the state. The cultural foundation of the American Indians includes a proclivity toward walking and community-based solutions. Nationally, contributing factors such as limited sight zone, alcohol involvement, no sidewalk facility, and uncontrolled intersections are attributed in these crashes. Methods Descriptive Statistics and Case Study. Information regarding pedestrian motor vehicle crash (MVC) involvement is available nationally for fatal crashes. The fatal crash data will be coupled with all injury-level crashes in North Dakota to look at these crashes from a local perspective as well as the national view. This state database is a census of police-reported traffic crashes in the state. Both data sets include data on incident, vehicle, and occupant crash elements. While these data do not provide a means for predicting pedestrian crash involvement, it can be used to gain a better understanding of the crash events. Results Quantitative Problem Scope and Trend Discussions and Tribal Community Case Study Solutions/Interventions. This analysis will use crash records from the years 2012 to 2016. Descriptive statistical analysis of crash records is used in a diagnostic process to distinguish crash elements associated with tribal lands MVC where pedestrian involvement. The pedestrian-involved MVC crashes on other roads will be compared for statistical similarity. Significant differences in driver, vehicle, environment, and roadway elements will be examined using the chi-square test. Gaining a better understanding of these tribal pedestrian-involved crashes will help decision makers to more effectively select the most appropriate evidence based solutions. Conclusions Investigation into crashes the occurred locally on tribal lands and other rural locations provides insight to aid tribal communities as they prevent future traffic injuries.