Example of a Program that Used Zoning

The zoning process just described is not just an idea. It has been used in three different cities as part of two large-scale research projects. This section describes how the eight zoning steps were applied in Phoenix, Arizona as part of one of those studies. The study focused on reducing pedestrian crashes to seniors.

Step 1. Select the crash problem. The target measure was the older adult (age 65+) pedestrian crash. The objective was to reduce crashes to this population by defining zones and applying a concentration of countermeasures within them. Since age of the victim was not routinely included in the available databases, provisions needed to be made to obtain and enter these data.

Step 2. Map the pedestrian crashes. Three years of baseline data provided a total of 153 older adult pedestrian crashes. The relatively small number of crashes permitted the data to be mapped manually. Colors were used to differentiate crash types.

Step 3. Define zones. Searches were made for circular and linear zones, and the final zones were selected.

Search for circular zones. The standard circle with a one-mile radius was drawn on a sheet of acetate. The acetate was then moved over the map of crashes until circular areas that contained at least 10 older adult pedestrian crashes were located. Six circular zones were identified.

Search for linear zones. The map was further examined for road segments that contained at least six crashes in a two-mile strip. One such road segment was identified as a linear zone; it partially overlapped one circular zone. One other linear zone was identified that was completely inside one of the circular zones.

Create final zone shape. In this implementation, the circular and linear zones were retained as they seemed to provide the best fit for the mapped crashes. Three of the circular zones were, however, specifically designed to overlap slightly in order to include crashes occurring just outside the zones that would have been lost if the circles had been made contiguous.

Step 4. Calculate efficiency measures and select final zones. The zones selected included 54.9% of the older adult crashes in Phoenix in 4.6% of the city's land area with a resulting efficiency ratio of 11.9 to 1.

Step 5. Evaluate zones and identify resources. An on-street analysis of the zones resulted in identification of needed engineering improvements and resources for distribution of educational materials. Resources included libraries, homeowner's associations, senior centers and senior residences. In addition, the zone review resulted in identification of stores and small malls that could serve as locations for the collection of survey data.

Step 6. Select program activities. Several engineering and public information activities were mounted within the zones. Some of the engineering efforts included:

• Installation of overhead advanced pedestrian warning signs.
  
  
• Repair of pavement in pedestrian crossing areas.
  
  
• Trimming or removal of trees/shrubs and removal or relocation of signs and other impediments to sight distance.
  
  
• Installation, removal, relocation or repainting of crosswalks, as appropriate.
  
  
• Installation of signs explaining the meaning of each phase of the pedestrian signal at all intersections in and near the zones.
  
  
• Installation of a wheelchair ramp and high visibility crosswalk for the main pedestrian access point between two hospital facilities.
  
  
• Installation of "Use Caution When Entering Street" signs.
  
  
• Traffic signal timing improvements.
  
  
• Replacement of "generic" push button signs at a five-point intersection with custom signs that specify the street that each push button controls.
  
  
• Installation of a rumble strip in advance of a high-use crosswalk.

Some of the education activities performed in the zones included:

• Distribution of program flyers and brochures to homeowner's associations, retirement communities, senior centers and libraries in the zones.
  
  
• Distribution of 15 project flyers and brochures as door hangers to each residence in the zones. In order to accomplish this activity, the corners of the circular zones had to be converted into squares so that the distribution company could get precise street addresses at the zone boundaries.

These education materials included safety tips for both motorists and pedestrians. Motorists were advised to watch for pedestrians when:

• Making turns
  
  
• Passing stopped cars
  
  
• Backing

Pedestrians were advised to:

• Search before stepping off the curb
  
  
• Look carefully for turning vehicles
  
  
• Stop and look around cars, shrubs and any other objects that prevent drivers and pedestrians from seeing each other
  
  
• Look first before stepping into the street when the light turns green or the signal says WALK
  
  
• Treat driveways and alleys like roadways
  
  
• Watch for backing vehicles
  
  
• Be alert for vehicles in parking lots
  
  
• Wait for a fresh green light to get the maximum time to cross the street
  
  
• Be conspicuous at all times
  
  
• Continue crossing to the other side if the DON'T WALK signal starts to flash after they have entered the street

In addition, a broad-based supporting public education program was addressed to the city at large and elderly residents in the city. Included were customized television video and PSAs, radio PSAs, television and radio interviews, articles in local papers, bus cards, an article in the city's water bill mailer, and distribution of program flyers and brochures to the American Association of Retired Persons, all senior centers, city senior residences, motor vehicle offices, retirement fairs and police precincts (for the neighborhood patrol program).

In addition to the program activities, a periodic survey was conducted in each circular zone. The survey provided information on the pedestrian safety knowledge of older residents in the zones and their exposure to the highway safety program. It also served as an additional means of making older adults in the zones aware of the pedestrian safety program.

Step 7. Implement program activities. Because of the extreme heat in Phoenix in the summer, the major education activities and the street survey were conducted from September through May. In addition, a media consultant was retained to assume responsibility for making all local contacts for display and distribution of project materials and ensuring that all organizations received the necessary materials in the agreed-upon amounts at the agreed-upon time.

Step 8. Monitor program activities. On-going information on city residents' knowledge of pedestrian safety and of the program was collected by means of a survey. The survey was conducted in 10 different waves spaced throughout the program period. Police crash reports were also received and analyzed on a regular basis. In addition, the zones themselves were analyzed on a routine basis and, except for the need to change survey locations, no changes that would affect program design or operation were noted.

Crash results from the Phoenix study show that the program was successful in reducing crashes to older pedestrians during a period when overall population in the city increased and pedestrian crashes to those under 65 years of age increased. Decreases in 65+ pedestrian crashes occurred in each of the circular zones. The study also showed the economy of zoning. One of the most successful countermeasures involved three separate deliveries of flyers to each residence in the zones. This was accomplished for approximately $24,000. It would have cost almost 12 times that amount to deliver the flyers to each residence in the entire city of Phoenix.