Study Finds Urban Design Key in Car-Pedestrian Accident Blame

Research reveals pedestrians more often faulted in areas with inadequate crosswalks, highlighting the need for safer urban planning.

A new study by Ohio State University reveals urban design significantly influences who is blamed in car-pedestrian accidents, with pedestrians more often faulted in areas lacking crosswalks and signals.
In Columbus, Ohio, drivers were found at fault in 54% of pedestrian crashes, while pedestrians were blamed in 36% of cases, highlighting the impact of road design and pedestrian infrastructure on accident fault attribution.
Downtown Columbus, with more pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, saw drivers at fault in three out of four crashes, contrasting with neighborhoods like Hilltop and South Linden, where pedestrians were more often blamed due to fewer crosswalks.
The study suggests redesigning crash report forms to include built environment details, advocating for a Safe System Approach in urban planning to enhance pedestrian safety and reduce accidents.
The research aligns with Vision Zero Columbus, aiming to reduce traffic-related fatalities and injuries, underscoring the need for cities to prioritize pedestrian safety in road design.