Literature Review on Vehicle Travel Speeds and Pedestrian Injuries

摘要

The relationship between vehicle travel speeds and resulting pedestrian injury211u001ewas reviewed in the literature and in existing data sets. Results indicated that 211u001ehigher vehicle speeds are strongly associated with both a greater likelihood of 211u001epedestrian crash occurrence and more serious resulting pedestrian injury. It was 211u001eestimated that only 5 percent of pedestrians would die when struck by a vehicle 211u001etraveling at 20 miles per hour or less. This compares with fatality rates of 40, 211u001e80, and nearly 100 percent for striking speeds of 30, 40, and 50 miles per hours 211u001eor more respectively. Reductions in vehicle travel speeds can be achieved through 211u001elowered speed limits, police enforcement of speed limits, and associated public 211u001einformation. More long-lasting speed reductions in neighborhoods where vehicles 211u001eand pedestrians commonly share roadway can be achieved through engineering 211u001eapproaches generally known as traffic calming. Countermeasures include road 211u001ehumps, roundabouts, other horizontal traffic deflections (e.g., chicanes), and 211u001eincrease use of stop signs. Comprehensive community-based speed reduction 211u001eprograms, combining public information and education, enforcement, and roadway 211u001eengineering, are recommended.