Pedestrian/Bicyclist Fatality Review 2019 Crash Reconstruction Symposium March 13-15, 2019 NSC: Kim Auman (Project Manager), Allie Chavez (Project Coordinator) Alexis Aviles and Erica Zimmerman (Towson University Interns) MHSO: Jeff Dunckel (Pedestrian-Bicycle Safety Program Manager)

The Reason We Are Here Today MISSION – The MVA’s MHSO is dedicated to saving lives and preventing injuries by reducing motor vehicle crashes through the administration of a comprehensive network of traffic safety programs. VISION -- Moving Maryland Toward Zero Deaths since death is not an acceptable consequence of driving.  

Towards Zero Deaths – Vision Zero: Who believes we can ever achieve zero pedestrian - bicycle fatalities?

What’s Our Little Black Box? Crash Reconstruction Reports

Project Overview Review Maryland’s 2016 Pedestrian/Bicyclists fatalities (n=127) Goal: To identify contributing factors and countermeasures by Summer 2020 Monthly meetings held to discuss cases in specific counties Analysis ACRS data to determine how many identified contributing factors in fatal crashes are also identified in non-fatal pedestrian crashes

Multidisciplinary Review Team Epidemiologist/Researchers Crash Reconstructionists Engineers Community Health Representatives Planners Physicians P-BEAT Members EMS Representatives Program Managers OCME Representatives

Meeting Schedule Meet Monthly In Various Locations Review 6 cases

Sources of Information Detailed Crash Investigation Report (DCIR) – little black box for pedestrian fatal crashes * ACRS reports * OCME data – toxicology results Video surveillance – when available NTDB reviews – when available Google maps * Media Reports * * Sent to Review Team 1 week prior to meeting

Case 2016-127 Summary Pedestrian Extra Details Driver Age - Gender Clothing Date/Time of death Extra Details Date/Time of crash Weather Year, Make, Model Street Lighting Driver Age - Gender Posted Speed Speed Limit

Scene Photos

Vehicle Photos

Review Day Brief case summary is presented Crash Reconstructionist presents findings from investigation Contributing Factors identified and discussed: Human, Environment, Vehicle, Engineering, Enforcement and Education Potential Countermeasures identified and discussed Culpability – Assessed by Law Enforcement

Progress 3 reviews – complete 2 review – in process January -- Baltimore (3 cases) February -- PG Co. (4 cases + 2 updates from 1st review) March -- Montgomery Co. (6 cases) 2 review – in process April – PG Co. April 23rd May – Montgomery Co. May 31st

Contributing Factors Human Driver Speeding Did not see pedestrian/bicyclist Using cell phone Obstructed view (glare from sun, another vehicle, in vehicle) Distracted/Reckless driving Not enough time and distance to stop Not familiar with area / Too familiar with area Unlicensed drivers Intoxicated/Impaired

Contributing Factors Human Pedestrian/Bicyclist Not in crosswalk Disobeyed pedestrian signal Did not activate pedestrian signal Intoxicated/Impaired Dark clothing Poor judgment of time it takes to cross Not permitted on roadway Lost control of bike/fell into roadway Not wearing helmet Clothing blocking vision (bundled up for weather) Not paying attention to surroundings Too familiar with area

Contributing Factors Environment Low/high pedestrian/bicyclist traffic in area Weather: Fog, snow build up, wet pavement, sun glare Residential areas Crashes at night Slope and Topography of roadway Rush hour traffic Sign obstructing sidewalk

Contributing Factors Vehicle A-pillar obstruction Illumination of headlights at night Large side mirrors Dark window tinting

Contributing Factors Engineering Lighting on roadways No crosswalks/design of crosswalk Distance from Metro Station to nearest intersection with crosswalk No pedestrian signals/signs Pedestrian signal activation Timing of traffic lights Crossing Opportunities Number of lanes on roadway No Space between sidewalk & road

Contributing Factors Enforcement Not obeying speed limit Not obeying traffic laws Underage drinking Illegal clubbing Code violation – sign on sidewalk

Contributing Factors Education Pedestrian/Bicyclist Do not always have the right of way Implied crosswalks Clothing Don’t assume driver will stop/look both ways Driver Driving is a privilege not a right Speed awareness Required to stop for pedestrian crossing in crosswalk stop

Potential Countermeasures Human Driver education classes Wear protective helmets Environment None currently identified Vehicle Remove dark/illegal tint from windows Engineering Make intersections brighter Add more crosswalks Insert pedestrian signs in medians Alter timing of traffic lights Add crosswalk lights for night time Alternate street lamp lighting (yellow/white) Decrease number of travel lanes Add Stop signs on trails Remove zig-zag crosswalks Add stop bars prior to crosswalk Add rectangular rapid flash beacon

Potential Countermeasures Enforcement Enforce laws pertaining to pedestrian safety Education Pedestrians wear light colored/reflective clothing Use crosswalks and pedestrian signals Look before crossing Don’t speed and stop for pedestrians Re-educate community on pedestrian laws Educate about pedestrian intoxication and walking

Summary Identified cases for review Assembled multidisciplinary team Prepared cases for review Reviewed cases Identified contributing factors Identified potential counter measures Prepared post-review summaries

Next Steps Continue case reviews Conduct analysis of serious-injury crashes Prepare for additional research questions Disseminate results to our partners and community

13 Cases Reviewed and Count von Count Says 114 Cases To Go

Thank You Any Questions

Contacts: Kim Auman: (410) 328-8331 kauman@som.umaryland.edu Allie Chavez: (410) 328-4241 alicia.chavez@som.umaryland.edu Acknowledgement: All pictures and graphics are from various sites on the Internet and 1 photo from case review files.