On-the-spot study of pedestrian crashes on Brazilian Federal District rural highways crossing urban areas

Knowledge of the factors that contribute to pedestrian crashes is fundamental to the design of engineering, enforcement and education measures to decrease the number and severity of these crashes. To identify the factors that contribute to pedestrian crashes on rural highways crossing urban areas in the Federal District, Brazil, an investigatory procedure was developed. The procedure was implemented by the Federal District Road Department (DER–DF) for a period of 6 months. This study presents the investigatory method and the results. Data analysis indicated the importance of conducting detailed studies of the factors that contribute to pedestrian crashes. The main contributory factors identified are presented and discussed.

► We developed a deep investigation procedure of pedestrian crashes occurring along rural highways crossing urban areas.
► Contributory factors to this type of pedestrian crashes were identified.
► Pedestrians as contributory agents in crashes were identified in 75.8% of the events studied.
► The main contributory factors to pedestrian crashes were negligence, the use of alcoholic beverages and a lack of attention.