VEHICLE TRAVEL SPEEDS AND THE INCIDENCE OF FATAL PEDESTRIAN CRASHES

The aim of this study was to estimate the likely effect of reduced tra vel speeds on the incidence of pedestrian fatalities in Adelaide, Aust ralia. The study was based on the results of detailed investigations o f 176 fatal pedestrian crashes in the Adelaide area between 1983 and 1 991. The method developed to estimate the effect of reduced travelling speed is described and supported by references to the published liter ature. A reduction in the speed limit from 60 to 50 km/h was one of fo ur speed reduction scenarios considered. The smallest estimated reduct ion in fatal pedestrian collisions in the selection presented was 13%, for a scenario in which all drivers obeyed the existing speed limit. The largest estimated reduction was 48% for a scenario in which all dr ivers were travelling 10 km/h slower. The estimated reductions in fata lities obtained in this study are compared with those observed in plac es where the urban area speed limit has been lowered. (C) 1997 Elsevie r Science Ltd.