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Hispanic immigrants and persons of Hispanic descent are involved in a disproportionate number of pedestrian and bicyclist crashes. Hispanics represent the fastest growing population group in the United States. The Federal Highway Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (FHWA/NHTSA) should target pedestrian and bicyclist safety programs for Hispanics.
This section of the report describes efforts to identify local Hispanic community-based groups with an interest in pedestrian/bicyclist safety and summarizes results of the focus group discussions that we reconducted. A more detailed analysis of the focus group research can be found at http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/ped_bike/hispanic/fhwanhtsa/.
The quantitative data analysis effort focused on determining the extent of the involvement of Hispanics in both pedestrian and bicycle crashes. It was of course, necessary to restrict the analysis to those databases that included race/ethnicity as a data element. In an effort to understand some of the reasons for Hispanic involvement in crashes, a limited examination of the 2000 U.S. Census was done to identify possible crash risk factors.
The nature and extent of the Hispanic pedestrian and bicycle highway safety problem is not well known. It is apparent that a disproportionate number of the persons killed in highway crashes of all types are Hispanic immigrants. While the reasons for this over-involvement are not known it has been suggested that cultural differences, language problems, and a lack of familiarity with traffic in the United States may be involved. (Braver, 2003)
The nature and extent of the Hispanic pedestrian and bicycle highway safety problem is not well known. It is apparent that a disproportionate number of the persons killed in highway crashes of all types are Hispanic immigrants. While the reasons for this over-involvement have not been determined, it has been suggested that cultural differences, language problems,and a lack of familiarity with traffic in the United States may be involved.(Braver, 2003)
FINAL REPORT
Richard L. Knoblauch
Rita Furst Seifert, PhD
Center for Applied Research, Inc.
Nhora Barreva Murphy
The Media Network, Inc.
December 30, 2004
There are a number of different materials used for marking crosswalks, including paint (waterborne or oil-based), epoxy, poly urea, thermoplastic and preformed tape. Transportation agencies weigh several factors when determining which marking material is most appropriate including costs, durability, reflectivity, friction coefficient (avoiding slip hazards) and whether or not the material can be applied using city labor and equipment. Thermoplastic is the crosswalk marking material most favored by those communities that were contacted.
Research into the state of the practice of pedestrian facility maintenance consisted of a review of the literature and select municipal programs, as well as discussions with over 40 agencies. This research has revealed routine and successful policies, programs and practices, as well as common challenges and innovative solutions.
October 22, 2013
U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration
