Even though the number of pedestrian fatalities between 2001 and 2012 dropped from 4,900 to just over 4,700, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) data, they still make up a significant portion of all traffic fatalities, and pedestrians continue to be one of the most vulnerable road user groups.
Even though the number of pedestrian fatalities between 2001 and 2012 dropped from 4,900 to just over 4,700, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) data, they still make up a significant portion of all traffic fatalities, and pedestrians continue to be one of the most vulnerable road user groups. That is why cities invest a lot of efforts and resources into improving their pedestrian infrastructure, with some being more successful at it than others.
According to the Liberty Mutual Insurance Pedestrian Safety Index, released recently, Seattle is the country’s safest city for pedestrians, a result of local authorities’ efforts and investments for making walking as safe as possible. Liberty Mutual Insurance conducted a survey in 25 U.S. cities, asking 2,500 adult residents about their perception of pedestrian safety in their cities, and analyzing traffic data and infrastructure. Between 2008 and 2012, over 180,000 Seattle residents were commuting on foot or using public transportation each day, and only 10 pedestrian fatalities a year were reported.
The city has made a series of improvements to its pedestrian infrastructure, increasing the number of crosswalks year after year, optimizing school walking routes, and installing school zone cameras, as Liberty Mutual Insurance reports on its website. In addition to this, Seattle has launched various campaigns aimed at making drivers pay more attention to pedestrian safety and preventing risky driving behaviors, such as the “Be Super Safe” campaign.
As much as 96% of Seattle residents said that walking in their city is very safe, and 97% were satisfied with the city’s efforts for ensuring pedestrian safety.
“We are seeing a dangerously high rate of pedestrian injuries and fatalities across the country, so it’s promising to see cities like Seattle dedicating the necessary resources to ensure the safety of their citizens,” said David Melton, managing director of global safety and driving safety expert with Liberty Mutual Insurance.
Boston was ranked as the second safest city for pedestrians, followed by Washington, D.C., and San Francisco. The fact that Boston puts over 3,600 public safety signs in place each year, and installs 195 traffic-monitoring cameras annually, is what put the city in Massachusetts city so high on this list. Washington owes its third place to the installation of new LED lights improving visibility on city streets and to the increased number of bike lanes, whereas San Francisco residents find their city to be pedestrian-friendly mostly because of the Pedestrian Strategy that was introduced by the mayor last year, aiming to cut pedestrian fatalities by 25% within the next two years.
Most of the respondents said that street lighting, visible traffic signs, and adequate crosswalks, are the factors that ensure pedestrian safety in their cities. In order to further reduce the number of pedestrian fatalities, drivers need to avoid distractions, always be alert and aware of your surroundings, and be especially careful while driving in school zones and in residential areas. Pedestrians, for their part, should avoid talking on their cell phones or texting while crossing a street, and only use designated crosswalks.