Overview

• 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.