Analyses of Pedestrians Crash Severity
Analyzing pedestrian crash severity is paramount within the realm of transportation studies due to its direct implications for public safety, urban planning, and the development of effective countermeasures. Pedestrians constitute a vulnerable road user group, and understanding the factors influencing crash severity is crucial for mitigating the severity of injuries and fatalities resulting from pedestrian-vehicle collisions. Through rigorous analysis of crash data, researchers can discern patterns and contributing factors leading to crash severity variations. This may encompass variables such as vehicle speed, road design, lighting conditions, pedestrian demographics, and the presence of crosswalks. Gaining insights into the determinants of crash severity aids in formulating evidence-based strategies for improving pedestrian safety, guiding urban planners and policymakers in designing pedestrian-friendly environments. Moreover, such studies contribute to developing advanced safety technologies and implementing targeted interventions to reduce the frequency and severity of pedestrian crashes, aligning with broader goals of enhancing overall road safety and promoting sustainable and inclusive transportation systems.
Recently, I was involved in collaboration with experts from Utah State University regarding the severity of pedestrian crashes. The research is highlighted not only by its contribution to safety analysis but also in its methodology, which consists of a comparison of Machine Learning Methods (Stacking Ensemble Model and TabNet) versus discrete outcome models (Ordered Probit).
(Paper: TRB-2024)
Pedestrians' Gap Acceptance Studies
Modeling pedestrian behavior, dynamics, and crowds becomes essential for effective urban planning and infrastructure development. Understanding how pedestrians navigate urban spaces, interact with each other, and respond to changes in their environment aids in designing pedestrian-friendly zones. This modeling also plays a crucial role in optimizing traffic flow, enhancing safety, and creating urban spaces that prioritize the well-being of pedestrians.
In a series of studies in Tehran, Iran, we analyzed many aspects of pedestrian behavior on the sidewalks, in interaction with each other and in crossing the street in interaction with the vehicles, which is one of the most challenging and critical maneuvers. In those studies, we recorded videos of different maneuvers, and then two of our colleagues (with orange covers in the video) interviewed anonymous pedestrians after they passed the width of the street.
The videos should first transformed to revoke the perspective effect, and then the trajectories should be extracted by image processing or object tracking software.
(Papers: TRB-2015)
The rolling gap is one of the riskiest maneuvers when pedestrians pass across the street. This happens when pedestrians cross the street from a non-specified place, or drivers do not respect zebra crossings. Hence, instead of passing the street in a straight path, the pedestrian also has to walk laterally between the vehicles to find a gap. This phenomenon is highly prevalent in many developing countries such as Iran, India, etc.
In the same way, another common risk associated with pedestrians crossing streets in developing countries is ignoring the traffic light either by pedestrians or drivers.
Exploration of Walking Trends
I was involved in several studies concerning the walking trends in cities such as Rasht, Kish Island, and Qom.
Understanding walking trends in urban environments is pivotal within the context of achieving net zero and fostering sustainable transportation. As cities globally strive to transition towards more environmentally friendly modes of mobility, walking emerges as a fundamental and carbon-neutral component of urban transportation. However, the importance of these environmental concerns received less attention in developing countries such as Iran. Analyzing walking trends provides valuable insights into the dynamics of sustainable urban mobility, helping policymakers identify opportunities to enhance pedestrian infrastructure, prioritize pedestrian-friendly urban design, and reduce reliance on carbon-intensive transportation modes. Encouraging and facilitating walking not only promotes individual well-being but also contributes significantly to minimizing carbon emissions, congestion, and air pollution associated with motorized transport. Furthermore, comprehending walking trends allows for the development of targeted interventions to improve safety, accessibility, and the overall pedestrian experience, aligning with the overarching goals of creating greener, healthier, and more sustainable urban environments.
One of the promising explorations in this regard is to analyze to what extent people of different demographic groups are willing to walk in order to access and use public transport. This is paramount as it leads to a combination of mass and active transport modes.