Featured in Technology Today (Volume 38, Issue 1), a quarterly publication of the Louisiana Transportation Research Center.
Enhancing the safety of Louisiana’s roadways is a high priority for LTRC researchers, and this emphasis extends beyond drivers to include the state’s pedestrians as well. Alarmed by a 73.5% rise in pedestrian fatalities in the state over the past decade, Hany Hassan, Ph.D., P.E., and his team recently completed an extensive research project seeking to address this growing issue. The project, entitled “Development of Statewide Design Guidelines for Improving Pedestrian Safety on High-Speed Arterials in Louisiana,” focused specifically on creating a safer environment for pedestrians on roadways with posted speed limits over 40 miles per hour.
Dr. Hassan notes that while there are several existing nationwide recommendations providing pedestrian safety guidelines along low-speed highways, there is a significant gap in guidance for “high-speed arterials.” As one would expect, the risk of severe injury or death in pedestrian-involved crashes on these roadways is significant, so it is paramount that appropriate countermeasures are identified and implemented to reduce such tragedies. This project sought to develop a comprehensive list of such potential safety measures while also uncovering any barriers that may prevent them from being utilized effectively.
The scope of Dr. Hassan and his team’s research spanned both Louisiana and the nation. Within Louisiana, the team categorized and catalogued the state’s network of high-speed arterial roadways, identifying the specific features of sites with a high incidence of pedestrian-involved crashes. Analyzing available crash data from 2007-2021, they found that 63.4% of such crashes occurred at intersections and 36.6% at midblock segments. Specific vulnerabilities included intersections with Stop or Yield signs, roadways lacking appropriate shoulders and sidewalks, and areas without sufficient street lighting. Additionally, the highest proportion of pedestrian-involved crashes occurred on roadways with posted speed limits of 45 miles per hour.
Dr. Hassan also designed and distributed an online survey to DOT professionals in 48 states, aiming to understand how others are working to enhance pedestrian safety in their contexts. The results of the survey revealed that resources provided by the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and AASHTO are broadly used to develop safety countermeasures at both intersections and midblock segments. State DOTs used a diverse range of measures, including expanded shoulders and sidewalks, high-visibility crosswalks, “road diets,” and pedestrian countdown signals. While there is no single solution that can eliminate pedestrian injuries and deaths, a combination of research-informed approaches can make a notable difference in reducing these incidents.
Based on the results of both the detailed in-state investigation and extensive nationwide survey, Dr. Hassan and his team developed a matrix of countermeasure recommendations to improve pedestrian safety on high-speed arterials, especially at high-risk locations. These included: high visibility crosswalks, ADA ramps, pedestrian crossing signs, parking restrictions, signal timing adjustments, Leading Pedestrian Intervals (LPIs), Pedestrian Pushbuttons (PPBs), curb extensions, reduced curb radii, and medians with curb cut.
While additional studies are needed to assess the long-term effectiveness of such measures after implementation, along with other factors contributing to pedestrian injuries and deaths, this project has equipped Louisiana officials with essential information to make strides in this critical area of public wellbeing.
“This report and guide provide DOTD and other safety stakeholders with essential information to refine their efforts to reduce and prevent pedestrian fatalities and serious injuries in Louisiana." - Elisabeta Mitran, Ph.D., LTRC Safety Research Manager
Elisabeta Mitran, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Research and LTRC’s Safety Research Manager, emphasizes the far-reaching value of Dr. Hassan and his team’s efforts: “This report and guide provide DOTD and other safety stakeholders with essential information to refine their efforts to reduce and prevent pedestrian fatalities and serious injuries in Louisiana. Because information related to pedestrian safety countermeasures on high-speed arterials is scarce, the countermeasure matrices developed by the research team, along with the statewide priority peer groups, will assist not only Louisiana but other states as well in selecting such measures to enhance pedestrian safety.”
This document, and the information contained herein, is prepared for the purpose of identifying, evaluating, and planning safety improvements on public roads, which may be implemented utilizing federal aid highway funds. This information shall not be subject to discovery or admitted into evidence in a Federal or State court pursuant to 23 U.S.C. § 407.
For more information on this project and its findings, please visit LTRC Final Report 695. You can also contact Elisabeta Mitran, Ph.D., at (225) 767-9129 or elisabeta.mitran@la.gov.