Vehicle collisions are a leading cause of death in the U.S., especially for young adults and children. Studies have shown that the number of casualties increases with the number of miles driven per capita. Passengers on buses, light rail, and commuter rail have about one-tenth the death rate due to accidents as people in cars. Analysis by Lovegrove and Litman (2008) using community-based, macro-level collision prediction models suggests that improving transportation options (better walking and cycling conditions, and improved ridesharing and public transit services) could reduce vehicle collision frequency by 14 percent.
Safety can also be increased by the prevention of collisions between vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians. A study called Safety in Numbers showed that when more bicyclists and pedestrians were present, there were fewer collisions with vehicles. This was most likely due to drivers being more aware and driving more cautiously. Falls are another significant hazard for pedestrians and bicyclists. Learning safer walking/bicycling techniques (e.g., looking both ways before crossing the street, increasing visibility through clothing or lights, and wearing a helmet while bicycling) can reduce the number or severity of falls/accidents.
Security is the danger or threat of a physical attack. Prevalence of crime or the perception of a crime in the area can affect the choice of mode of travel. Travelers may be more vulnerable when they are walking, bicycling, slugging, or waiting at a bus stop or train station, than driving their own vehicle or carpooling with friends or coworkers. Security can be improved by using Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) strategies for the built environment which can reduce crime or the fear of crime. Key strategies include natural surveillance through the presence of other travelers and “eyes on the street”, as well as attention to the design and adequate lighting and security devices at bus stops, train stations, and on walking and biking trails.
Case Study: Influence of Arlington, Virginia Programs
Arlington County Commuter Services (ACCS) programs and strategies help travelers use modes that have a lower risk of crashes than driving/riding in private vehicles. While there is always some risk of an accident, no matter how or how far one travels, the risk can be reduced by making an informed choice of mode and distance for each trip. Further, special strategies have been implemented to enhance awareness and education about safety and security, such as Be a PAL, Two Wheel Tuesdays, and Lights for Bikes. BikeArlington and WalkArlington, the ACCS programs tailored to encouraging biking and walking, focus heavily on safety and security. The success of these programs in increasing the number of pedestrians and bicyclists on the streets also provides the latent benefit of higher visibility and awareness of drivers resulting in more cautious driving. ACCS reaches out to a variety of demographics by making classes and programs affordable and convenient – by tailoring content, time, location, and language – thus making travel safer for the whole community.
In anticipation of eventual findings from our Transportation Cost-Savings Calculator project, the safety and security impacts of ACCS programs are being measured as:
- Reduced number of vehicle collisions (rate of crashes) correlated to reduced VMT
- Increased numbers of pedestrians and bicyclists on streets
- Reduced/increased number of deaths and injuries due to collisions and accidents for all modes of travel
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