Possible Cause/Problem #1

Child runs into neighborhood/collector street.

General Countermeasures

1. Provide adequate nighttime lighting (5).
2. Add on-street bike lanes (8).
3. Narrow travel lanes (9).
4. Provide curb extensions (19).
5. Install spot street narrowing at high midblock-crossing locations (20).
6. Implement traffic-calming measures such as chicanes, speed humps, or speed tables (22, 24, 25).
7. Provide a raised pedestrian crossing (27).
8. Design gateway to alert motorists that they are entering neighborhood with high level of pedestrian activity (28).
9. Convert street to driveway link/serpentine, woonerf, or a pedestrian street (31, 32, 36).
10. Install street diverters or full/partial street closures at selected intersection(s) (33, 34, 35).
11. Provide adult crossing guard (in school zone) (44).
12. Remove or restrict on-street parking (47).
13. Educate children about safe crossing behavior and adults about speeding (48).

Possible Cause/Problem #2

Pedestrian is struck while crossing a high-speed and/or high-volume arterial street.

General Countermeasures

1. Relocate bus stop (4).
2. Improve/add nighttime lighting (5).
3. Install overpass or underpass (6).
4. Install medians or pedestrian crossing islands (18, 21).
5. Provide curb extensions at intersections or midblock to improve direct line of sight between vehicle and pedestrian (19).
6. Add traffic-calming measures (19-32).
7. Provide staggered crosswalk through the median (forcing pedestrians to walk and look to the right for oncoming traffic in the second half of street) (21).
8. Install midblock traffic signal with pedestrian signals, if warranted (37, 38).
9. Install standard warning sign (see Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)) or yellow or fluorescent yellow/green signs to alert drivers to pedestrian crossing area (40, 43).
10. Bus young children across busy streets (44).
11. Adjust school district boundaries (44).
12. Use speed-monitoring trailer (46).
13. Enforce speed limits, pedestrian ordinances (49).

Possible Cause/Problem #1 (multiple threat)

The pedestrian entered the traffic lane in front of stopped traffic and was struck by a vehicle traveling in the same direction as the stopped vehicle. The stopped vehicle may have blocked the visibility between the pedestrian and the striking vehicle, and/or the motorist may have been speeding.

General Countermeasures

1. Relocate bus stop to far side of crossing area (4).
2. Improve roadway lighting (5).
3. Provide midblock or intersection curb extensions (19).
4. Install traffic-calming devices such as speed tables or raised pedestrian crossings on local or other neighborhood streets (25, 27).
5. Provide raised crosswalks to improve pedestrian visibility (27).
6. Install traffic signals if warranted, including pedestrian signals (37, 38).
7. Install flashers or advance warning signs (37, 43).
8. Recess stop lines 9.1 m (30 ft) in advance of crosswalk (42).
9. Install barriers or signs to prohibit crossings and direct pedestrians to safer crossing locations nearby (43).
10. Enforce crosswalk laws (49).

Possible Cause/Problem #2

Pedestrian is struck while crossing a high-speed and/or high-volume arterial street.

General Countermeasures

1. Reduce roadway width. For example, add sidewalks and bike lanes to a roadway by narrowing four-lane undivided roadways to two through lanes plus a center two-way left-turn lane or wide raised median (1, 8, 9, 10).
2. Improve roadway lighting (5).
3. Construct overpass or underpass (6).
4. Narrow travel lanes (e.g., add bike lanes) to slow vehicle speeds and reduce crossing distance (9).
5. Install raised median or pedestrian crossing island (12, 21).
6. Increase police enforcement of speed limit (49).

Possible Cause/Problem #3 (trapped)

Pedestrian began crossing on green signal and became trapped in the roadway when the signal changed.

General Countermeasures

1. Reduce roadway width (9).
2. Provide midblock or intersection curb extensions (19).
3. Install raised pedestrian crossing island (21).
4. Provide raised crosswalk to improve pedestrian visibility (27).
5. Install pedestrian signals (38).
6. Adjust pedestrian signal timing (39).
7. Enforce crosswalk laws (49).

Possible Cause/Problem #1

Pedestrian struck while going to/from a private residence mailbox/newspaper box.

General Countermeasures

1. Improve lighting (5).
2. Add bike lanes and reduce total roadway and lane width (8, 9, 10).
3. Provide raised median on multi-lane arterial street (12).
4. Provide traffic-calming measures (e.g., chicanes or raised devices on residential streets) (22, 26, 27).
5. Construct gateway or provide signs that identify neighborhood as an area with high levels of pedestrian activity (28, 45).
6. Install pedestrian warning signs (see MUTCD) (43).
7. Implement driver education program (48).
8. Implement pedestrian education program (48).
9. Relocate mailboxes to safer crossing area or provide safer crossings at existing location.

Possible Cause/Problem #2

Pedestrian struck while going to/from an ice-cream vendor or similar destination.

General Countermeasures

1. Reduce roadway width or remove a lane (9, 10).
2. Provide traffic-calming measures on local streets (19-32).
3. Add pedestrian crossing islands to roadway (21).
4. Create Public Service Announcements (PSAs) to educate parents, children, and drivers (48).
5. Adopt an Ice-Cream Truck Ordinance. This ordinance would prohibit motorists from passing a stopped ice-cream truck. Trucks would be equipped with flashing lights and a “stop” arm that would extend when the truck stopped to serve children (49).

Possible Cause/Problem #3

Pedestrian struck while getting into/out of parked vehicle.

General Countermeasures

1. Improve roadway lighting (5).
2. Implement traffic-calming measures on local/collector streets (19-32).
3. Implement speed-reduction measures such as chicanes or speed tables (22, 26).
4. Restrict on-street parking (47).

Possible Cause/Problem #1

Motorist fails to yield to pedestrian at two-lane, low-speed road crosswalk (or unmarked crossing).

General Countermeasures

1. Improve crosswalk marking visibility (3).
2. Improve roadway lighting (5).
3. Reduce curb radius to slow vehicle speeds (14).
4. Install curb extensions or choker (19, 20).
5. Use special paving treatments along street to slow traffic, add chicanes, or use serpentine design (20, 22, 31).
6. Construct raised pedestrian crossing island (21).
7. Install speed humps, speed tables, raised intersections, or raised crosswalks (24, 25, 26, 27).
8. Use landscaping that slows vehicle speeds without impeding sightlines (29).
9. Install traffic signal with pedestrian signals, if warranted (37, 38).
10. Install overhead CROSSWALK, school zone, or other warning signs (43).

Possible Cause/Problem #2

Pedestrian has difficulty crossing multilane road (which may also have high travel speeds and/or high traffic volumes).

General Countermeasures

1. Ensure that curb ramps are provided to make crossing easier for all pedestrians (2).
2. Place bus stop at far side of intersection (4).
3. Install nighttime lighting (5).
4. Construct overpass or underpass (6).
5. Install bike lanes and/or narrow or reduce the number of roadway lanes (8, 9, 10).
6. Add bike lanes or modify four-lane, undivided street to two lanes plus a two-way, left-turn lane (TWLTL) or wide median with turning pockets (8, 10).
7. Install raised medians or pedestrian crossing islands (12, 21).
8. Install traffic signal with pedestrian signals, if warranted (37, 38).
9. Use police speed enforcement (49).

Possible Cause/Problem #3

Motorist unwilling to yield due to high motorist speeds or high traffic volumes.

General Countermeasures

1. Install bike lanes and/or narrow or reduce the number of roadway lanes (8, 9, 10).
2. Construct pedestrian crossing island or medians (12, 21).
3. Implement traffic-calming measures (19-32).
4. Provide gateway, create a pedestrian street, or identify neighborhood with signs (28, 36, 45).
5. Install traffic signal with pedestrian signals, if necessary (37, 38).
6. Install signs or sidewalk barriers to guide pedestrians to safer crossing locations (43).
7. Use speed-monitoring trailer (46).
8. Increase police enforcement of speed limit (49).
9. Install special overhead pedestrian-actuated flashers with warning signs.

Possible Cause/Problem #1

Motorist fails to yield to pedestrian or pedestrian crosses during inadequate gap in traffic due to limited sight distance at intersection.

General Countermeasures

1. Install crosswalk markings to encourage pedestrians to cross in the crosswalk behind the bus (3).
2. Move bus stop to far side of intersection or crosswalk (4).
3. Consider an alternative bus stop location (4).
4. Mark bus stop area with pedestrian warning signs (4).
5. Install or improve roadway lighting (5).
6. Install pedestrian crossing medians or raised crosswalk (12, 21, 27).
7. Install curb extension (19).
8. Remove parking in areas that obstruct the vision of motorists and pedestrians (47).

Possible Cause/Problem #2

Pedestrian has difficulty walking along roadway and crossing at midblock location with high vehicle speeds and/or high volumes.

General Countermeasures

1. Provide an accessible sidewalk and curb ramps (1, 2).
2. Install sidewalk and/or sidewalk barriers to direct pedestrians to a nearby crossing location (2).
3. Provide bus pull-off area (4).
4. Consider an alternative bus stop location (4).
5. Install or improve roadway lighting (5).
6. Add bike lanes or painted shoulder (8).
7. Reduce number of roadway lanes (10).
8. Install midblock curb extensions (19).
9. Install traffic and pedestrian signals, if warranted (37, 38).
10. Add recessed stop lines (42).
11. Provide pedestrian education/training (48).
12. Increase police speed enforcement (49).

Possible Cause/Problem #3

Pedestrian has difficult time crossing, waiting, or walking in the vicinity of school bus stop.

General Countermeasures

1. Provide sidewalks (1).
2. Install or improve roadway lighting (5).
3. Provide street furniture or other amenities at bus stop (7).
4. Select safer location for school bus stop (44).
5. Implement pedestrian/driver education programs (48).
6. Educate pedestrians to cross behind the bus at far side of bus stops (48).
7. Involve school, neighborhood groups, and PTA in promoting education and enforcement (48, 49).
8. Enforce regulations against passing stopped school bus (49).

Possible Cause/Problem #1

Conflict between pedestrian and left-turning vehicle.

General Countermeasures

1. Add curb ramps or curb extensions (2, 19).
2. Install raised median and pedestrian crossing island (12, 21).
3. Convert to one-way street network (if justified by surrounding areawide pedestrian and traffic volume study) (13).
4. Consider using modified T-intersections, intersection median barriers, diverters, or street closures (17, 18, 33, 34).
5. Use traffic-calming devices, such as a raised intersection or raised pedestrian crossing, to reduce vehicle speeds (26, 27).
6. Provide separate left-turn and WALK/DON’T WALK signals (38).
7. Add special pedestrian signal phasing (e.g., exclusive protected pedestrian signal or leading pedestrian interval) (38).
8. Prohibit left turns (43).
9. Install warning signs for pedestrians and/or motorists (see MUTCD) (43).
10. Develop/provide Public Safety Announcement (PSA) safety messages (48).

Possible Cause/Problem #2

Conflict between pedestrian and right-turning vehicle.

General Countermeasures

1. Provide marked crosswalks and advanced stop lines (3, 42).
2. Improve intersection lighting to improve visibility (5).
3. Remove intersection snow/clutter at the corner to improve visibility and give pedestrian space to stand outside of roadway (7).
4. Install raised median and pedestrian crossing island (12, 21).
5. Reduce right-turn radii (14).
6. Add curb extensions (19).
7. Use a traffic-calming device, such as a raised intersection or raised pedestrian crossing, to reduce vehicle speeds (26, 27).
8. Consider street closure (35).
9. Provide leading pedestrian interval (39).
10. Prohibit Right Turn on Red (RTOR) (41).
11. Install warning signs for pedestrians and/or motorists (43).
12. Remove on-street parking from the approaches to crosswalks (47).

Possible Cause/Problem #3

Substantial number of school children crossing and large turning vehicle movement.

General Countermeasures

1. Install crosswalk markings (3).
2. Improve intersection lighting (5).
3. Consider using modified T-intersections, intersection median barriers, diverters, or street closures (17, 18, 33, 34).
4. Install curb extensions (19).
5. Install pedestrian crossing islands for wide two-way streets (21).
6. Add exclusive pedestrian phase or leading pedestrian interval (39).
7. Restrict Right Turn on Red (41).
8. Prohibit left turns (43).
9. Provide adult crossing guards during school crossing periods, or two guards for wide streets (44).
10. Educate motorists (48).
11. Educate children about safe crossing behavior (48).
12. Provide police enforcement at the intersection (49).

Possible Cause/Problem #4

Inadequate sight distance and/or intersection geometrics.

General Countermeasures

1. Add marking treatments that improve visibility of pedestrian crossing areas (3).
2. Improve intersection lighting (5).
3. Reduce turn radii (14).
4. Install pedestrian safety islands (21).
5. Remove sight obstructions and/or roadside obstacles (e.g., trees/shrubs, mailboxes, poles, newsstands, trash cans) (29).
6. Install motorist regulatory signs and/or pedestrian warning signs (see MUTCD) (37, 38).
7. Provide special pedestrian signal phasing (e.g., exclusive protected pedestrian signal interval) (39).
8. Prohibit Right Turn on Red (RTOR) (41).
9. Prohibit left turns (43).

Possible Cause/Problem #1

Pedestrian could not see traffic signal.

General Countermeasures

1. Install new or larger pedestrian WALK/DON’T WALK and/or audible pedestrian signals (38).

Possible Cause/Problem #2

Children crossing in school zones.

General Countermeasures

1. Provide pavement markings and school zone signs (3, 44).
2. Convert to one-way street network (if justified by surrounding areawide pedestrian and traffic volume study) (13).
3. Consider using intersection median barriers, diverters, or street closures (18, 33, 34).
4. Provide curb extensions to reduce crossing distance (19).
5. Use traffic-calming devices such as mini-circle or raised intersection to reduce vehicle speeds (23, 26).
6. Provide a raised pedestrian crossing (27).
7. Provide advanced stop lines (42).
8. Install pedestrian signals (43).
9. Provide adult crossing guards, or two guards for wide streets (44).
10. Install school regulatory flashers (e.g., SPEED LIMIT 25 MPH WHEN FLASHING) (44).
11. Provide pedestrian education to students and motorists (48).
12. Increase police enforcement (49).

Possible Cause/Problem #3

Excessive delay to pedestrians prior to getting the WALK interval.

General Countermeasures

1. Provide pedestrian crossing islands (21).
2. Re-time signal to be more responsive to pedestrian needs (e.g., shorter cycle lengths or convert to fixed-time operation) (39).
3. Provide quick-response pedestrian push-buttons or automatic (e.g., microwave or infrared) detectors (40).

Possible Cause/Problem #4

Lack of pedestrian compliance with WALK phase due to other causes.

General Countermeasures

1. Re-time signal to be more responsive to pedestrian needs (e.g., shorter cycle length) (39).
2. Provide adequate WALK and clearance intervals (39).
3. Provide leading pedestrian interval (39).
4. Provide adult crossing guard at school crossings (44).
5. Provide pedestrian and motorist education (48).

Possible Cause/Problem #5

Motorist did not see pedestrian in time to stop.

General Countermeasures

1. Add marking treatments that improve visibility of pedestrian crossing areas (3, 30).
2. Move bus stop to far side of intersection (4).
3. Improve nighttime lighting (5).
4. Add curb extensions (19).
5. Add pedestrian crossing islands or raised crosswalk (21, 27).
6. Use traffic-calming devices, such as speed tables or a speed-monitoring trailer, on streets approaching the intersection if speed is an issue (25, 46).
7. Construct raised intersection (26).
8. Remove sight obstructions such as mailboxes or parked vehicles (29, 47).
9. Remove on-street parking near intersection (e.g., up to 30.5 m [100 ft]) (47).

Possible Cause/Problem #6

Motorist ran red light at signalized intersection.

General Countermeasures

1. Improve lighting (5).
2. Add short all-red interval at signal (39).
3. Increase police enforcement (49).
4. Install camera enforcement (49).

Possible Cause/Problem #1

Inadequate walking area.

General Countermeasures

1. Provide a sidewalk on both sides of road (1).
2. Provide an asphalt path or paved shoulder (1).
3. Construct and maintain sidewalks and curb ramps to be usable by people with disabilities (1, 2).
4. Add sidewalk, install bicycle lanes or painted shoulders, reduce number of lanes (e.g., four lanes to three lanes), and add planting strips (1, 8, 10, 29).

Possible Cause/Problem #2

High vehicle speeds and/or volume.

General Countermeasures

1. Add sidewalk or walkway (1).
2. Construct and maintain sidewalks and curb ramps to be usable by people with disabilities (1, 2).
3. Increase lateral separation between pedestrians and motor vehicles (e.g., bike lanes or landscape buffers) (1, 8, 29).
4. Provide lighting (5).
5. Construct gateway or install signs to identify neighborhood as area with high pedestrian activity (28, 45).
6. Install “Walk on Left Facing Traffic” signs (43).
7. Use speed-monitoring trailers (46).
8. Increase police enforcement of speed limit (49).

Possible Cause/Problem #3

Inadequate route to school.

General Countermeasures

1. Provide sidewalks on both sides of road (1).
2. Construct and maintain sidewalks and curb ramps to be usable by people with disabilities (1, 2).
3. Implement traffic-calming methods at selected sites (19-32).
4. Provide adult crossing guards (44).
5. Involve school groups and PTA in evaluating safe routes to school and promoting education and enforcement (48, 49).

Possible Cause/Problem #4

Sidewalks are not accessible to all pedestrians.

General Countermeasures

1. Repair and maintain sidewalks (1).
2. Remove obstacles in sidewalk (1).
3. Build missing sidewalk segments (1).
4. Construct curb ramps (2).
5. Relocate poles and street furniture to provide continuous passage in sidewalk area (7).
6. Enforce parking laws to prevent cars from blocking sidewalks and curb ramps (49).

Possible Cause/Problem #1

Worker, policeman, etc, struck in roadway (arterial street).

General Countermeasures

1. Improve lighting and retroreflective materials on workers (5).
2. Improve traffic control measures (e.g., signs, markings, cones, barricades, and flashers) warning motorists of workers’ presence (43).
3. Increase worker safety training (48).
4. Increase police enforcement of speed limits in work zones (49).
5. Provide better physical separation/protection from motor vehicles.

Possible Cause/Problem #2

Pedestrian was struck playing on foot or on play vehicle (e.g., skateboard, wagon, sled, in-line skates) on local/collector street.

General Countermeasures

1. Provide accessible sidewalks or walkways on both sides of street (1, 2).
2. Improve lighting (5).
3. Introduce traffic-calming measures (e.g., street narrowing, speed humps) (9, 24).
4. Convert streets to a woonerf or use signs to identify neighborhood as area with high levels of pedestrian activity (32, 45).
5. Consider street closures (full or partial) or using diverters (34, 35).
6. Implement pedestrian and motorist education programs (48).
7. Provide community park/playground.

Possible Cause/Problem #3

Vehicle speeds are excessive on local street.

General Countermeasures

1. Narrow streets and/or travel lanes (9).
2. Convert to driveway link/serpentine street (11, 31).
3. Install traffic-calming devices such as chicanes, mini-circles, speed humps, and/or speed tables (22, 23, 24, 25).
4. Use speed-monitoring trailers in conjunction with police enforcement (46, 49).

Possible Cause/Problem #4

Walking to/from disabled vehicle.

General Countermeasures

1. Provide sidewalks, walkways, or paved shoulders (1).
2. Provide adequate nighttime lighting (5).
3. Educate drivers about what to do if a vehicle becomes disabled (48).
4. Provide motorist assistance program.

Possible Cause/Problem #5

Working on or standing by a disabled vehicle.

General Countermeasures

1. Provide paved shoulders (1).
2. Provide adequate nighttime lighting (5).
3. Educate drivers about what to do if a vehicle becomes disabled (48).
4. Provide a motorist assistance program.

Possible Cause/Problem #1

Pedestrian was struck while waiting to cross roadway, standing at or near curb.

General Countermeasures

1. Provide accessible sidewalks/walkways and crosswalks (1, 3).
2. Provide sidewalk buffer (bike lane or landscape strip) (1, 8, 29).
3. Improve nighttime lighting (5).
4. Reduce curb radii to slow turning cars (14).
5. Install sidewalk barriers (29).
6. Use adult crossing guard (44).
7. Implement driver education program (48).
8. Increase speed enforcement (49).

Possible Cause/Problem #2

Pedestrian was struck in parking lot, driveway, private road, gas station, alley, etc.

General Countermeasures

1. Maintain level sidewalk across driveway area (1).
2. Move sidewalk farther back so that driver will have more time to stop for a pedestrian crossing a driveway (1).
3. Improve nighttime lighting (5).
4. Remove landscaping or other visual obstructions near driveways (29).
5. Implement pedestrian and motorist education programs (48)
6. Redesign or re-stripe parking lot to provide clear pedestrian path across parking lot.
7. Build/improve local parks for child activities.

Possible Cause/Problem #3

Vehicle entered or exited a driveway or alley and struck pedestrian.

General Countermeasures

1. Provide sidewalk or walkway (1).
2. Maintain level sidewalks across driveways or alleys (11).
3. Provide clear walking path across driveway (11).
4. Remove unneeded driveways and alleys (11).
5. Remove sight obstructions (e.g., trim hedges or lower fencing) (11, 29).
6. Narrow driveways and reduce turning radii (14).
7. Add adequate planting strip or sidewalk separation (29).
8. Provide advance warning signs for drivers (43).

Possible Cause/Problem #1

Pedestrian struck by backing vehicle.

General Countermeasures

1. Provide clearly delineated walkways for pedestrians in parking lots (1).
2. Relocate pedestrian walkways (1).
3. Improve nighttime lighting (5).
4. Remove unneeded driveways and alleys (11).
5. Remove landscaping or other sight obstruction near driveways (11, 29).
6. Provide curb extensions or raised pedestrian crossings to improve the visibility of pedestrians to backing motorists (19, 27).
7. Eliminate, modify, or relocate parking if feasible (47).
8. Enhance pedestrian education (48).
9. Enhance motorist education (48).
10. Provide auditory backing alert on vehicle.

Possible Cause/Problem #1

Disabled vehicle (pedestrian crosses expressway to seek help).

General Countermeasures

1. Install/upgrade roadway lighting (5).
2. Educate drivers on what to do if a vehicle is disabled (48).
3. Increase police surveillance (49).
4. Provide motorist assistance program.

Possible Cause/Problem #2

Pedestrians routinely cross section of expressway.

General Countermeasures

1. Install/upgrade nighttime lighting (5).
2. Provide pedestrian overpass/underpass (6).
3. Install large, visible pedestrian warning signs (43).
4. Increase police surveillance (49).
5. Install pedestrian fencing or barriers along roadway right-of-way.

Possible Cause/Problem #1

Pedestrian lying in road.

General Countermeasures

1. Install or upgrade nighttime lighting (5).
2. Increase police enforcement and surveillance (49).
3. Provide taxi rides home from bars.

Possible Cause/Problem #2

Emergency vehicle-related.

General Countermeasures

1. Install/upgrade lighting (5).
2. Provide public education (48).
3. Increase police surveillance (49).

Possible Cause/Problem #3

Pedestrian falls from vehicle.

General Countermeasures

1. Pass/enforce laws and provide education programs against riding in back of pickup trucks (48, 49).
2. Increase police enforcement of teens “vehicle surfing” (49).