Nonmotorized Traffic Accidents in San Juan, Argentina

Abstract

Findings are presented for a recently completed exploratory study of nonmotorized accidents in San Juan, Argentina. The study was undertaken jointly by EICAM [Escuela de Ingenieria de Caminos de Montaña (School of Mountain Highway Engineering)] in San Juan and a visiting Canadian professor from the University of Calgary at the National University of San Juan. The study was funded by EICAM and represents the first study of traffic accidents in San Juan. Nonmotorized traffic fatalities are a disproportionately high percentage of all traffic fatalities in Argentina compared with more-industrialized countries. Pedestrian and bicycle traffic fatalities comprise almost one-half of all traffic fatalities in the Province of San Juan. The probable causes of nonmotorized traffic fatalities and injuries are explored, including vehicle speed, nighttime driving without headlights or with parking lights only, cyclist and pedestrian behavior, and aggressive driving. Recommendations to enhance pedestrian and bicyclist safety include the strict enforcement of recently enacted traffic laws; for example, proper illumination at night, speed limit enforcement, a driver education program, a bicyclist education plan, and a wide range of traffic engineering improvements (e.g., line markings and traffic control devices). Institutional responsibilities for traffic should be reviewed, because various institutions have overlapping jurisdiction, resulting in an inadequate traffic audit database.