An examination of the environmental attributes associated with pedestrian-vehicular crashes near public schools.
This paper examines pedestrian-vehicular crashes in the vicinity of public schools, the severity of injuries sustained, and their relationship to the physical and social attributes near the schools. Multivariate models of crash severity and crash risk exposure were estimated as a function of social and physical characteristics of the area immediately surrounding schools in Baltimore City, Maryland. Results show that the presence of a driveway or turning bay on the school entrance decreases both crash occurrence and injury severity. Conversely, the presence of recreational facilities on the school site is positively associated with crash occurrence and injury severity of crashes. Findings related to neighborhood characteristics were mixed but the significant variables - transit access, commercial access, and population density - are generally associated with increased pedestrian demand and should be interpreted with care. The results of this study are relevant for Safe Routes to School projects and point to areas meriting further study.
Clifton
Kelly J
KJ
Urban Studies and Planning Program, National Center for Smart Growth Research and Education, Preinkert Field House, Ste. 1112N, Bldg. #054, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States. kclifton@umd.edu
Kreamer-Fults
Kandice
K
D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000293:Adolescent; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002648:Child; D004779:Environment Design; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D008396:Maryland; D015233:Models, Statistical; D018986:Motor Vehicles / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017150:Public Sector; D011998:Recreation; D012111:Residence Characteristics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012307:Risk Factors; D012574:Schools; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016138:Walking / Q000293:injuries / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology*