1. 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)

2. 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.

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

6. What’s Our Little Black Box?
Crash Reconstruction Reports

7. 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

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

9. Meeting Schedule
Meet Monthly
In Various Locations
Review 6 cases

10. 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

11. 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

12. Scene Photos

13. Vehicle Photos

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

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

20. 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

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

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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

25. 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

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

27. 13 Cases Reviewed and Count von Count Says
114
Cases To Go

28. Thank You Any Questions

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