The relationship between impact speed and the probability of pedestrian fatality during a vehicle-pedestrian crash: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Author | Hussain Q. |
Author | Feng H. |
Author | Grzebieta R. |
Author | Brijs T. |
Author | Olivier J. |
Available date | 2020-04-27T08:34:19Z |
Publication Date | 2019 |
Publication Name | Accident Analysis and Prevention |
Resource | Scopus |
ISSN | 14575 |
Abstract | Background Pedestrians struck in motorised vehicle crashes constitute the largest group of traffic fatalities worldwide. Excessive speed is the primary contributory factor in such crashes. The relationship between estimated impact speed and the risk of a pedestrian fatality has generated much debate concerning what should be a safe maximum speed limit for vehicles in high pedestrian active areas. Methods Four electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, COMPENDEX, and SCOPUS) were searched to identify relevant studies. Records were assessed, and data retrieved independently by two authors in adherence with the PRISMA statement. The included studies reported data on pedestrian fatalities from motorised vehicle crashes with known estimated impact speed. Summary odds ratios (OR) were obtained using meta-regression models. Time trends and publication bias were assessed. Results Fifty-five studies were identified for a full-text assessment, 27 met inclusion criteria, and 20 were included in a meta-analysis. The analyses found that when the estimated impact speed increases by 1 km/h, the odds of a pedestrian fatality increases on average by 11% (OR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.10–1.12). The risk of a fatality reaches 5% at an estimated impact speed of 30 km/h, 10% at 37 km/h, 50% at 59 km/h, 75% at 69 km/h and 90% at 80 km/h. Evidence of publication bias and time trend bias among included studies were found. Conclusions The results of the meta-analysis support setting speed limits of 30–40 km/h for high pedestrian active areas. These speed limits are commonly used by best practice countries that have the lowest road fatality rates and that practice a Safe System Approach to road safety. |
Sponsor | The first author was partially funded by the Transportation Reserach Institute (IMOB) , Hasselt University, Belgium to visit Australia to work on this project. Furthermore, an early version of this research was presented at TRB Annual Meeting 2019. |
Language | en |
Publisher | Elsevier Ltd |
Subject | Fatality Impact speed Meta-analysis Pedestrian Systematic review |
Type | Article |
Pagination | 241-249 |
Volume Number | 129 |
Check access options
Files in this item
Files | Size | Format | View |
---|---|---|---|
There are no files associated with this item. |
This item appears in the following Collection(s)
-
Traffic Safety [158 items ]