Event

APBP 2025 Webinar - Strategies to Improve Pedestrian Safety in Darkness

This presentation covers key findings from the research and guidance developed through NCHRP 17-97 Strategies to Improve Pedestrian Safety at Night. This multi-year, multi-methods study included a comprehensive literature review and a state of the practice survey; a macro-level, nationwide analysis of trends in pedestrian fatalities from 2010-2020; a multi-city, case-control analysis to investigate characteristics of severe pedestrian injuries in darkness along high-risk roadways; a driver simulation experiment examining driving behavior in darkness; focus groups exploring decision-making and behavior while walking and driving at night, and practitioner interviews. The results of this research illustrate how darkness and driver speed are primary risk factors for travel at night, underscoring the importance of addressing both to improve pedestrian safety. The resultant Safe System-based guidance provides design and operational strategies (Safe Speeds, Safe Roads, and Safe Road Users) to improve pedestrian safety at night through reducing pedestrian exposure to risk, decreasing the likelihood of a crash, and mitigating the injury severity potential when a crash occurs. The presentation will conclude with strategies and tools that practitioners can use to work toward Safer Vehicles and more robust Post-Crash Care to create a truly Safe System for pedestrians.

Presenters

• Rebecca Sanders, Safe Streets Research & Consulting, LLC
• Michelle Danila, Toole Design