APTA Risk Management Seminar June 12, 2013

MITIGATING PEDESTRIAN COLLISIONS: USING VIDEO TECHNOLOGY TO PREVENT INITIAL OCCURRENCES KIM GAFFEY SYSTEM SAFETY COORDINATOR

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Comments and assumptions at incident scene Driver never saw pedestrian (3 possibilities) Pedestrian never saw bus Contradicting eyewitness reports: - Pedestrian was walking with/against light - Pedestrian was in/not in crosswalk - Pedestrian ran out in front of bus Could not determine what happened with conventional investigative techniques

Investigation using video technology Secure the video Use “Chain of Custody” View the video Preserve the video

Discovery Common occurrences at each event Clarity and understanding of event Uncovered truth, eliminated assumptions We know why driver did not see pedestrian We know why pedestrian did not see bus Pedestrian was in crosswalk Pedestrian was crossing with light Video shows why eyewitnesses are unreliable

What’s happening? Bus is first vehicle in line at red light or stop sign Bus pulled up too far into the intersection Bus is going to turn Red light syndrome - sitting for more than 15 seconds at red light results in a fixed stare/daydream state Something changed Bus “goes” as soon as light changes Operator looking in mirrors as he is turning Accelerates through the turn Strikes pedestrian in crosswalk

Developing training to prevent initial occurrence Top priority - prevent initial occurrence Top challenge - overcome rumors and assumptions

Eliminating rumors and assumptions Show the video Explain what happened Explain sequence of traffic lights Demonstrate common pedestrian actions at crosswalks Train operators to prevent initial occurrence

Preventing the initial occurrence Making proper, safe turns to avoid pedestrian incidents: Activate turn signal as you approach Stop behind stop line Scan intersection while waiting Wait two seconds before accelerating when light changes to green Look at crosswalk before entering marked area, look around blind spots – stop if necessary Do not focus solely on mirrors - complete your turn ENFORCE THE POLICY!!

Results Over $1 million saved incidents incident incidents incidents incident (minor)

Other findings “Red light syndrome” pertains to other types of accidents as well - Right turns - other vehicle - Stopped traffic - let off brake If the “walk light” came on two seconds before the green light - just think! It’s not just bus operators

In conclusion We don’t hit “jay” walkers Beware “red light syndrome - wait two seconds” What are YOU going to do about it??

Thank you