A study of pedestrian accidents, behaviour, and safety in Rockhampton

Walking is the most basic means of transport. It offers predictable travel times, is free, and is considered by many as pleasant exercise. IT IS THE BACKBONE OF URBAN TRANSPORTATION PROVIDING A SYSTEM OF COLLECTION AND DISTRIBUTION WHICH ALLOWS THE CITY TO FUNCTION. In this day and age we are considered fortunate if we are located within walking distance of work, shopping, recreational or cultural opportunities. Unfortunately though, with walking comes accidents, injuries, and death as a result of the conflict the pedestrian undergoes with his surrounding environment.

Pedestrian safety is a significant road safety problem in Australia. In the past ten years over 5500 pedestrians have been killed on Australia's roads (almost 20% of the total road deaths). In addition to this nearly 3000 pedestrians are treated in hospital each year as a result of traffic accients.

This report deals with a study into pedestrian accidents, safety, and behaviour in the city of Rockhampton. The accidents studied were from 1985 - 1989. Due to "bureaucratical bungling", police traffic accident report forms were unable to be obtained for analysis, however the Department of Transport through the use of their computer traffic accident data base PHYLAK were able to give limited details of all pedestrian accidents occurring on the declared roads in Rockhampton. This numbered 27 for the five year period, and there were 82 overall reported in the city, a figure of 33%. Unfortunately personal details eg age, sex are not given in the PHYLAK data so it was impossible to analyse the relationship of these details to the actual accidents.

To gauge the public's reaction to pedestrian safety and behaviour a number of studies and surveys were conducted in the city. These involved obtaining a "pedestrian behaviour index" at various crossings throughout the city; determining the number of students who walk to school regularly; gauging difficulty associated with roundabouts; and the public's perception of safety on different types of crossings.

A computer data retrieval and analysis system was designed as a recommendation for the police to install, as a result of the confusion and turmoil experienced when attempting to gain the required information. With this program it would have been very simple indeed.

All these topics are discussed more extensively later in the report.