Identification of factors increasing the risk of pedestrian death in road accidents involving a pedestrian with a motor vehicle

Macioszek, Elżbieta; Granà, Anna; Krawiec, Stanisław · 2023 · Crossref

DOI: 10.5604/01.3001.0016.2474

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Summary

This study investigates the factors contributing to pedestrian fatalities in road accidents involving motor vehicles, focusing on the Silesian Voivodeship in Poland. The research is motivated by the persistent high risk faced by pedestrians, who are classified as vulnerable road users, and the significant social and economic consequences of pedestrian injuries and deaths. Although overall road fatalities in Poland have decreased, pedestrians still account for a substantial proportion of total deaths. The authors aim to identify specific attributes that increase the likelihood of fatal outcomes to inform safety campaigns and infrastructure improvements. The study utilizes data from the Polish System of Records of Accidents and Collisions Database (SEWIK) covering the period from 2016 to 2021. The dataset includes 7,970 road incidents involving pedestrians and motor vehicles in the Silesian Voivodeship, resulting in 350 fatalities. The authors employed a logit model to analyze the relationship between various incident attributes and the severity of outcomes, specifically focusing on the probability of pedestrian death. The analysis considered a wide range of variables, including driver behavior, vehicle type, pedestrian demographics, environmental conditions, and location characteristics. The results indicate that several key factors significantly increase the risk of pedestrian death. Driver-related factors include driving under the influence of alcohol and exceeding the speed limit. The involvement of heavy vehicles, such as trucks and buses, also elevates the risk. Pedestrian characteristics associated with higher fatality rates include being male, being over 60 years old, and being under the influence of alcohol. Environmental and temporal factors play a crucial role, with incidents occurring outside built-up areas, at night (between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.), and in weather conditions other than good showing increased fatality probabilities. The study notes that while most incidents occur in built-up areas, the risk of death is higher in non-built-up zones. The findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions to improve pedestrian safety. The identified risk factors suggest that safety measures should address driver behavior, particularly alcohol impairment and speeding, as well as the specific vulnerabilities of older pedestrians and those involved in accidents with heavy vehicles. The results can guide decision-makers and practitioners in designing safer road infrastructure and implementing effective safety campaigns. By understanding the specific attributes that contribute to fatal outcomes, stakeholders can develop more precise strategies to reduce pedestrian fatalities and enhance overall road traffic safety in the region.

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• vru crash typology
• demographic disparities