An Analysis of Street Design at Fatal Pedestrian Crash Sites in Tucson, Arizona

Abstract

The Tucson metropolitan area is the third-deadliest metropolitan area for pedestrians in the United States. Pedestrian fatalities nationwide are increasing. This study analyzes street design elements at sites of fatal pedestrian crashes in the City of Tucson to identify features that are associated with higher rates of pedestrian fatalities. While pedestrian fatalities have seen a rise over the last decade due to factors not inherently linked to street design, such as driver distraction, vehicle weight, hood height, and pedestrian inebriation or distraction, it is critical to utilize street design as a mitigating factor in the wake of these challenges.

Quantitative geospatial analysis of pedestrian crash sites in Tucson found that 87% of fatal crashes occurred on arterial streets. 76% of fatal crashes occurred during the night. On average, there were 2.1 streetlights within 100ft of a fatal crash and 3 streetlights within 100ft of a nonfatal crash. The rate of fatal crashes was higher than the city rate on roads with speed limits at or above 35 mph, and on roads with 2 or more lanes in each direction. Ward 5 had a fatal crash rate of 16.2%, while Ward 4 had a fatal crash rate of only 7%.

To address the rise in pedestrian fatalities, street design in Tucson should prioritize a reduction in speed limits, implemented in conjunction with traffic calming measures, and the installation of street lighting along all major streets and routes in Tucson.