The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #65410

Erica Archuleta, BS¹, Naomi Silveira, BS¹, Amanda Hall, BS¹, Timothy J Bungum, DrPH², Charlene A. Day, PhD¹, and Jean Henry, PhD¹. (1) Health Promotion, UNLV, 4505 Maryland Parkway, Box 453050, Las Vegas, NV 89154, 702-895-4986, archule@unlv.edu, (2) Health Promotion, University of Nevad-Las Vegas, 4505 Maryland Pkwy, Box 453050, Las Vegas, NV 89154

Pedestrian safety is of public health concern. One pedestrian is killed every 101 minutes in the United States and about 5,000 die from traffic-related injuries and an additional 77,000 annually sustain non-fatal injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 69% of pedestrian fatalities occur in urban areas. Las Vegas, the largest and fastest growing metropolitan center in the state of Nevada warranted an investigation into pedestrian behaviors at a key intersection. Four of the 6 most dangerous intersections in the Las Vegas Valley border the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) campus, thus a busy intersection that links the campus with local businesses including fast food restaurants, gas stations, copy centers, and coffee houses was selected. The focus of this study was to examine the frequency of specific behaviors demonstrated while crossing the street. Trained observers viewed 867 randomly selected individuals cross a 7-lane street. Pedestrians were rated for obeying a traffic signal, staying within a marked walkway, and for looking left and right while crossing the street. The sample was 61% male, and 59% were judged to be in their 20’s. Results showed that 56% of pedestrians disobeyed at least one traffic rule and only 17% followed safety behaviors outlined by the NHTSA. Male and female pedestrians were equally apt to disobey traffic signals and exhibit caution. These findings suggest that pedestrian interventions are needed near college campuses.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this presentation, the audience will
• be able to identify safe pedestrian behaviors and
• increase their awareness of the at-risk behaviors, in direct violation of safe pedestrian practices, frequently demonstrated by a significant population of pedestrians observed.

Keywords: Injury Prevention,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.