Associations between National walkability Index and Traffic-Related pedestrian Deaths, United States, 2017–2019

Sarah M. Rockhill · Graycie W. Soto · Geoffrey P. Whitfield · Vaughn Barry · Kelly M. Fletcher

6 citations0/0 files storedTransportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives

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Urban Transport and Accessibility Traffic and Road Safety Injury Epidemiology and Prevention

Abstract

Background: Despite increased investment in infrastructure designed to promote and protect walking, rates of traffic related pedestrian deaths have increased by 87.8% between 2010 and 2022 in the United States. This study aims to investigate how comprehensive measures of built environmental features that encourage walking impact pedestrian risks overall and across levels of urbanicity. Methods: Using data from the Environmental Protection Agency's National Walkability Index (NWI) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 2017-2019 Fatality Analysis Reporting System, multilevel negative binomial regression models were used to examine the relationship between walkability score (range 1-20, with higher scores indicating the presence of built environment characteristics that increase the likelihood that people will walk for transportation) and pedestrian death rates by resident population at the census block group level. Results: In adjusted, block group level models, a 5-point higher NWI score was associated with a 29% increase in the rate of pedestrian deaths (IRR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.27 - 1.32). Models stratified by urbanicity showed a stronger association of NWI in urban block groups (IRR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.31 - 1.37) and an inverse association of NWI in isolated rural town block groups (IRR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.43 - 0.72). Conclusion: These results suggest that built environment interventions which promote walking behavior may benefit from additional pedestrian safety improvements. Current nationwide walkability data do not accurately characterize pedestrian safety; however, these data may be used to identify places to be prioritized for pedestrian safety interventions.

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2012Destination and Route Attributes Associated with Adults’ Walking 2023Barriers and facilitators to diet, physical activity and lifestyle behavior intervention adherence: a qualitative systematic review of the literature 2020Associations between the National Walkability Index and walking among US Adults — National Health Interview Survey, 2015 2019National-level environmental perceptions and walking among urban and rural residents: Informing surveillance of walkability 2017The Relationship between the Neighborhood Built Environment and Active Transportation among Adults: A Systematic Literature Review 2020Why do people walk? role of the built environment and state of development of a social model of walkability 2022Motives and Barriers Related to Physical Activity within Different Types of Built Environments: Implications for Health Promotion 2018Prevalence of children walking to school and related barriers—United States, 2017

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