Safety Countermeasures is a periodic update of the program activities of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Safety Countermeasures Division
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Joint
NHTSA/ FHWA Strategic Planning Pedestrian and Bicycle Research Workshop
On April 13th and 14th a joint workshop was held in Arlington, VA to obtain participants' ideas on the types of research NHTSA and FHWA should consider in the areas of pedestrian and bicycle safety over the next five years. This is the first time that our agencies have jointly planned and conducted this type of research planning effort with participants coming from both the public and private sector. Participants included staff from the research community, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, AARP, CDC, CPSC, Surface Transportation Policy Project, Rails to Trails Conservancy, Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals, and the League of American Bicyclists. In all, more than fifty persons attended the two day meeting. A paper documenting workshop activities should be available during 2001.
Bicycle
Safety Resource Guide
This is a resource guide for the bicycle safety professional--a person who is proactive in developing bicycle safety programs at the state or community level. It is designed to aid in matching problems identified by the professional or community at large with countermeasures that can be used to reduce the size of the problem. The guide contains a matrix of 40 safety problems identified by members of the bicycling community (e.g., motorist & bicyclist errors; visibility/conspicuity problems, high risk locations) for each of 15 implementer groups (e.g., public and private highway safety groups; law enforcement, elected officials). Within each cell of the matrix is a listing of existing and proposed countermeasures. These countermeasures are described more fully in a separate section. A CD-ROM version of the bicycle safety resource guide was prepared and released to the public at Lifesavers 2000. Copies of the CD are now available.
Beta
Testing of the Pedestrian and Bicyclist Crash Analysis Tool (PBCAT)
In order for communities to efficiently focus their pedestrian crash countermeasure efforts, they need to know about the types of crashes that pedestrians are most commonly involved in, and the most effective ways to counter these crashes. The Federal Highway Administration developed a prototype software package that users can employ to "type" pedestrian (and bicyclist) crashes, based on inputs from police crash reports. Detailed crash reports, as well as a list of potential countermeasures can be generated for target groups (e.g., young children). NHTSA sponsored research to beta test the software package and develop recommendations for product refinement. A final version of the software is available and can be ordered through the Pedestrian & Bicycle Information Center website at (877) 925-5245 or www.bicyclinginfo.org.
Literature
Review: Vehicle Travel Speeds and Pedestrian Injury
Past research has indicated that vehicle travel speed is a very important factor in pedestrian injuries. This project will review and summarize the state of knowledge concerning vehicle speed, its effects on pedestrian injury, and ways in which speed may be controlled. This will be accomplished though a literature review, analysis of crash data, and direct contact with experts in the field. The work will serve as a foundation for any future speed reduction programs designed to reduce pedestrian injuries. The final report is available, in hardcopy (Report No. DOT HS 804 021) or through the NHTSA website.
Literature
Review on Pedestrian and Bicyclist Conspicuity
More than 40% of the 5200+ pedestrian fatalities in 1998 occurred between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. Many of the drivers involved in these crashes reported that they didn't see the pedestrian victim until it was too late to stop. This study will involve an in-depth review of newly developed materials and technologies relating to pedestrian and bicyclist conspicuity, and will also identify any national and international programs that have targeted pedestrian and bicyclist conspicuity. A draft summary report and final technical report were submitted and are currently under review. These products should be available in early 2001.