Characteristics Related to Midblock Pedestrian–Vehicle Crashes and Potential Treatments

Abstract

Reducing pedestrian crashes is a top priority for transportation professionals. Pedestrian crashes at midblock locations occur frequently and need further investigation. The purpose of this exploratory study is to understand the characteristics of midblock pedestrian crashes to determine appropriate safety treatments. The primary objective was to compare midblock and intersection crashes in light of their roadway characteristics, environment, and characteristics of the involved parties to provide information on the most common factors related to midblock crashes. Databases from Kentucky, Florida, and North Carolina were used to determine which crash variable categories have significantly higher proportions at midblock locations as opposed to intersections. The distribution of crashes was compared across the two groups. The results of a t-test determined the significance of differences of means observed between the two crash groups. Several variables (such as lighting conditions and divided versus undivided roads) are similarly distributed among midblock and intersection crashes. Furthermore, the study highlighted the categories within the variables tested with significantly higher proportions in midblock crashes as opposed to intersection crashes in one or more of the databases. These include two-lane roads, younger male pedestrians involved in the crash, residential land use patterns, and rural crash locations. This paper identifies areas and variables where further research is appropriate, particularly with respect to determining safety treatments for midblock locations.