Speaker: Dr. Xiao Qin, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
When: Friday, November 21st, 10:50 AM - 11:50 AM
Where: Kiewit Hall A510 (Lincoln), Peter Kiewit Institute (PKI) 160 (Omaha)
Zoom: https://unl.zoom.us/j/94281831713
Title: When Car Bloat Meets Vulnerable Road Users: Pedestrian Safety Impacts of Taller Vehicles
Abstract: Pedestrian–vehicle conflicts are increasing, and tall vehicles (pickups, SUVs, vans) now make up about 40% of the U.S. fleet, contributing to an 80% rise in pedestrian deaths since 2009 due to higher front profiles and larger blind zones coupled with distracted and risky driving.
An analysis of 2008–2022 Wisconsin crash data shows tall vehicles are disproportionately involved in left turn and backing crashes, especially at crosswalks and in low-light conditions. Results show that low-speed maneuvers normally reduce injury severity, but this benefit is much smaller for tall vehicles.
Spatial–temporal analysis across ~1,300 census tracts highlights changing risk patterns and points to countermeasures such as improving pedestrian conspicuity, roadway design updates, integrated planning, data-driven safety analysis, and targeted driver education.