This paper evaluates pedestrian crash point data against census tracts with high minority populations and/or low median incomes (generally called environmental justice areas) to determine if there is a relationship between these factors. The potential for pedestrian exposure to risk, estimated here by including factors related to land use, population density, and a pedestrian environment factor, must be included in any estimate of crash likelihood, as increased pedestrian trips generally produce a greater number of pedestrian crashes. The Chicago region is utilized as a case study, allowing for the control of spatial autocorrelation. The paper indicates that there is a positive relationship between environmental justice areas and pedestrian-vehicle crashes.
Abstract