Strategies for Improving Pedestrian Safety: Cases from Jalisco and Michoacán, Mexico

In developing countries, the growing use of autos is creating a clash with pedestrians. Pedestrian-vehicle collisions clearly have immediate negative consequences on public health. In the longer run, if walking is not safe, comfortable, and convenient, it is likely to decline as a mode of travel in countries where households and individuals increasingly have the means to choose alternatives. Even so, most people will continue to walk for many trips, and with increasing motorization will be at risk of harm unless the safety and comfort of the walking environment is improved. We use data analysis and field studies to analyze pedestrian safety issues that arise in Morelia, Michoacan and Guadalajara, Jalisco. Analysis of crash data is a critical step in the selection and design of interventions. Currently, only aggregate data are available in electronic format, though more detailed data are available in hard copy. We report analyses of the aggregate data. We also conducted field observations at areas that local experts identified as high crash locations, and these observations allowed us to identify recommended interventions. In particular, better designs could be used to improve pedestrian safety along major arterials: improved pedestrian pathways, pedestrian overpasses, midblock surface crossings, and transit stop designs all are needed. Important next steps will be to create an electronic database combining health records with physical location and police report data, and to conduct more detailed causation analysis using these data. However, the work to date is sufficient to justify planning and design incorporating the recommended measures.