Behavioral observations and the pedestrian accident

Analysis of pedestrian accident records from a large city (Portland, Oregon) identified signalized intersections as a location for numerous pedestrian accidents. The behavior of 107 pedestrians in such locations was submitted to an observational analysis. The purpose of this analysis was to determine: 1) if the behavior can be categorized; 2) if the categories can be reliably used by independent observers; and 3) if analysis of the categories can describe or identify potential unsafe behaviors. The results of the study indicate that these purposes can, in fact, be achieved. It is concluded that the proper development of field observational methodology improves the opportunity to understand that reduced pedestrian accidents.