Civil Engineering ETDs

Publication Date

2024

Abstract

Pedestrians and bicyclists, known as Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs), are disproportionately affected by crashes. Arterial roads significantly impact crash rates, especially for VRUs. Previous research has identified factors contributing to VRU crash frequency. However, limited research focused on the relationship between these factors and VRU crashes in New Mexico, a state with high fatality rates for VRUs. This study aims to answer three research questions: i) Are high-speed, high-access roads more likely to experience crashes than roads with better access management? ii) Do more driveways per mile correlate with more VRU crashes per mile? iii) What other factors related to arterial characteristics and demographics correlate with more VRU crashes? We use 2018-2019 crash data and arterial features, surrounding land uses, and socioeconomic variables to respond to those inquiries. The findings emphasize the importance of access management in reducing crashes and highlight critical features and socioeconomic factors contributing to VRU crashes.

Keywords

Pedestrians, bicyclists, crashes, arterials.

Sponsors

Center of Pedestrians and Bicyclists Safety

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Civil Engineering

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Civil Engineering

First Committee Member (Chair)

Lisa Losada-Rojas

Second Committee Member

Nick Ferenchak

Third Committee Member

Yan Lin

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