With an estimated 78,000 pedestrians killed or injured in 2000 in motor vehicle crashes, the need for increased pedestrian safety in the U.S. is urgent. Although statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that the figures have declined in recent years, this is likely due to fewer people walking, not necessarily to a safer walking environment. In order to help reduce pedestrian injuries and deaths attributable to motor vehicle-related incidents, the Federal Highway Administration has created a publication entitled "Pedestrian Facilities Users Guide--Providing Safety and Mobility," designed to help transportation engineers, planners, and safety professionals make cities safer and more pedestrian-friendly. This article provides an overview of the Users Guide and its contents.
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