Texas ranks as the worst state in the nation for interstate pedestrian fatalities. Almost 600 pedestrians died on interstate roadways during the 5-year period between 2007 and 2011. Texas is the fourth-highest state in terms of interstate pedestrian fatalities per 100 million interstate vehicle miles traveled. Few studies have been conducted to investigate the causes and factors that contribute to pedestrian fatalities on very high-speed roadways. For this study, the research team conducted a survey of 20 states to find out what they are doing or have done in terms of engineering, education, enforcement, and evaluation to address pedestrian safety on controlled or limited access urban interstate, freeway, and expressway main lanes where posted speed limits are 55 mph or higher. The design of the survey was based on a literature review that identified factors that correlated with pedestrian fatality rates, motivations for pedestrians entering high-speed roadways, and countermeasures that had been implemented to reduce fatalities or protect pedestrians. Survey respondents reported being aware of pedestrian safety concerns on the main lanes of high-speed, controlled access highways. Eighty percent responded that there is a law or policy that prohibits pedestrian access on the controlled-access highways in their states. Policies and practices aimed at unintended pedestrians were more frequently cited than those addressing intentional pedestrians. The survey respondents highlighted existing practices such as the construction of overpasses/underpasses, installation of fences along rights of way or medians, and use of roadside assistance programs. In the end, researchers discussed best practices, opportunities for future research, and recommendations for increasing pedestrian safety on high-speed, controlled-access roadways. (Author/publisher)
Abstract