Abstract
BackgroundPrompted by a series of fatal and nonfatal pedestrian-vehicle collisions, university leadership from one urban institution collaborated with its academic injury research center to investigate traffic-related hazards facing pedestrians.MethodsThis descriptive epidemiologic study used multiple data collection strategies to determine the burden of pedestrian injury in the target area. Data were collected in 2011 through a review of university crash reports from campus police; a systematic environmental audit and direct observations using a validated instrument and trained raters; and focus groups with faculty, students, and staff. Study findings were synthesized and evidence-informed recommendations were developed and disseminated to university leadership.ResultsCrash reports provided some indication of the risks on the streets adjacent to the campus. The environmental audit identified a lack of signage posting the speed limit, faded crosswalks, issues with traffic light and walk sign synchronization, and limited formal pedestrian crossings, which led to jaywalking. Focus groups participants described dangerous locations and times, signal controls and signage, enforcement of traffic laws, use of cell phones and iPods, and awareness of pedestrian safety. Recommendations to improve pedestrian safety were developed in accordance with the three E’s of injury prevention (education, enforcement, and engineering), and along with plans for implementation and evaluation, were presented to university leadership.ConclusionsThese results underscore the importance of using multiple methods to understand fully the problem, developing pragmatic recommendations that align with the three E’s of injury prevention, and collaborating with leadership who have the authority to implement recommended injury countermeasures. These lessons are relevant for the many colleges and universities in urban settings where a majority of travel to offices, classrooms, and surrounding amenities are by foot.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/2197-1714-1-11) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Highlights
Prompted by a series of fatal and nonfatal pedestrian-vehicle collisions, university leadership from one urban institution collaborated with its academic injury research center to investigate traffic-related hazards facing pedestrians
Pedestrian safety remains an important public health problem, and effective evidence-based solutions exist. This case highlights how one university located in an urban environment brought together researchers and leadership to measure and better understand specific risk to pedestrians, garner their thoughts on solutions, and prioritize strategies to implement
This article documents the experience of a single institution the information presented is relevant for similar settings globally, especially where academic institutions are in urban environments, and pedestrian risks to students and employees are great
Summary
Prompted by a series of fatal and nonfatal pedestrian-vehicle collisions, university leadership from one urban institution collaborated with its academic injury research center to investigate traffic-related hazards facing pedestrians. In fall 2011, approximately 76 million people were enrolled in U.S schools and colleges, and nearly 6 million professional, administrative, and support staff worked at educational institutions (Snyder and Dillow 2012). Prior research has identified young and old age, and consumption of alcohol, as some of the strongest individual level factors (Dutz et al 2011; Schwebel et al 2012). Certain driver behaviors, such as speeding, and environmental factors such as inadequate vehicle design are correlated with increased risk of pedestrian injury (Han et al 2012; DiMaggio and Li 2012)
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