The Determinants of Pedestrian Safety Risk Factors at Roundabouts Along Uhuru Highway in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Walking is a form of active mobility and one of the most sustainable modes considering its benefits such as improved human physical health, low carbon emissions hence clean environment, affordability, inclusivity and low cost of infrastructure. This study focussed on determining pedestrian safety risk factors at crossings located near three roundabouts and two midblock sections along Uhuru Highway in Nairobi. A case study in conjunction with other relevant mixed methods were applied to assess pedestrian safety risk factors at crossings located within at least 50m from the roundabouts or 50m away for midblock sections. In response to the study objectives, manual classified traffic, oral roadside interviews, questionnaires, direct observation of pedestrian crossing behaviour and linear measurement on all road geometrics. Crash data (2016-2021) for the Nairobi region and analysed using Microsoft Excel 2013 with a specific focus on pedestrian crashes along Uhuru Highway. In total, fourteen pedestrian crossings including twelve located on three roundabouts and two at midblock sections assessed in this study. Pedestrian safety risk factors such as demographics, road infrastructure and environment, pedestrian crossing behaviour and pedestrian crossing warrants were calculated using a formula adopted from a previous study. About 56% of all pedestrian-vehicle collisions occurred at midblock sections (50m away) compared to 44% which occurred within 50m from roundabouts. About 61% of pedestrian related crashes occurred on the road at midblock sections while 39% occurred at junctions along Uhuru Highway. About 65% of all road traffic collisions involving pedestrians occurred at day time compared to 35% occurring at night. On average, 67% of male pedestrians crossed the road weekly compared to 33% who crossed on weekend days. In terms of age, 34% male pedestrians aged 20-29 were involved in fatal collisions, 25% aged 31-40 in serious injuries collisions and 38% male pedestrians whose ages were unknown were at highest risk of slight injuries collisions. Comparatively, 42% female pedestrians aged 31-40 were involved in fatal collisions, 41% aged 41-50 involved in serious injuries collisions and 33% aged 31-40 were at highest risk of slight injuries collisions. In conclusion, pedestrians are safer at crossings near roundabouts (within 50m) compared to midblock sections (50m away). Pedestrians are at highest risk of fatal and injuries collisions at midblock sections compared to near the roundabouts. This study recommends that pedestrian safety needs improvement through implementing interventions such as adequate road infrastructure design, installing traffic signs and markings, improve visibility through installing adequate lighting to eliminate or reduce the risk of pedestrian-vehicle collisions at roundabouts along Uhuru Highway.