Browsing by Author "Nteziyaremye, Pascal"
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- ItemInvestigating the link between the built environment and the incidence of pedestrian crashes in Cape Town, South Africa(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2018-12) Nteziyaremye, Pascal; Marion, Sinclair; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Engineering. Dept. of Civil Engineering.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users in the road environment, particularly in the developing world. To gain a better understanding of pedestrian crash causation, the built environment has been given much attention in the international traffic safety research. However, research of this nature is still scarce in the developing world, including South Africa. This study investigates the link between the built environment and the incidence of pedestrian crashes. The study used pedestrian crash data collected in Cape Town over a 3-year period between 2012 and 2014. The research method involved screening, geocoding and supplementing poor quality secondary data on pedestrian crashes. Moreover, the study applies a variety of analytical methods including univariate, bivariate, geospatial and multivariate analyses. Four GIS-based spatial analysis methods were used to identify clusters of pedestrian crashes within the study area. These methods include the planar kernel density estimation (KDE), the Anselin local Moran’s I, the Getis-Ord Gi* and the Optimized Hot Spot Analysis (OHA). Two modelling techniques, the Generalised Linear Modelling (GLM) and Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) modelling were used to relate the built environment and population variables to total; intersection; and killed and seriously injured (KSI) pedestrian crashes. For this analysis, the data was aggregated and analysed at the census suburb level. Among other results, it was found that population; land use mix; traffic signals; roundabouts/mini-circles; industrial use; four- and multi-legged intersections; and high mobility roads are associated with greater numbers of pedestrian crashes. The study also revealed that pedestrian crashes are positively related to socio-economic deprivation. In addition, spatial variations of the associations in the models were investigated and discussed. Hotspots of pedestrian crashes were identified mostly in the South Eastern regions of Cape Town which are also areas where economically-disadvantaged residents are concentrated. The presented models can be used to predict future pedestrian crashes using information that is easily available at the city level. The models are also crucial for the planning of safe walking environments which are particularly needed in South Africa and other developing countries.
- ItemUnderstanding pedestrian crossing behaviour : a case study in the Western Cape, South Africa(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-03) Nteziyaremye, Pascal; Sinclair, M.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Engineering. Dept. of Civil Engineering.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Road traffic accidents have been a global concern facing all countries. Approximately 1.2 million people are killed annually as a result of traffic accidents and 50 million are injured. More than 90 percent of road fatalities occur in the developing world which has only 48 percent of the world’s registered vehicles. Beyond the problem of road fatalities, road traffic accidents result in disability and long term injury. They also cause considerable economic losses to victims and their families and damage properties and infrastructures. In South Africa, pedestrian fatalities account for about 40 percent of all road traffic accidents. Behaviour patterns of both pedestrians and motorists at pedestrian crossings are the main influential factors of pedestrian accidents. This study investigates behaviour patterns of pedestrians negotiating different types of crossing facilities in the town of Stellenbosch, in South Africa. A total number of 17 pedestrian crossings were selected for the study on the basis of their geometric and operational characteristics. Video-based observations together with on-street interviews were used to understand crossing behaviour patterns, namely pedestrian walking speed, pedestrian delay, gaze behaviour, pedestrian-vehicle conflicts, pedestrian compliance with road traffic rules and gap-acceptance behaviour. Results of the study showed that male pedestrians walk more than female pedestrians. The 15th percentile crossing speed for all pedestrians observed while crossing was found to be 1.13 m/s whereas the mean crossing speed was found to be 1.48 m/s. Demographic variables appeared to significantly influence pedestrian walking speed. Male and younger pedestrians exhibited higher walking speeds than female and older pedestrians. Pedestrian walking speed was also found to be affected by group size, encumbrance, type of pedestrian facility and distraction while walking. However, no effects of conflicts and the presence of a pedestrian refuge on pedestrian walking speed were found in this study. A mean total delay of 5.10 seconds was found in this study. Male and younger pedestrians experienced shorter delay compared to female and older pedestrians. The type of pedestrian facility and traffic signals during which pedestrians arrived at the kerb and crossed appeared to be other influential factors of pedestrian delay. With regard to gaze behaviour, an average number of head movements ranged from 2 to 5 at the kerb and from 3 to 5 while crossing. Conflicts with motorists peaked where crossing distances were longer and traffic volume was heavy. A red light violation ranging from 82 to 87 percent was observed in this study and on-street surveys indicated that beliefs and attitudes towards traffic control devices and traffic environment significantly explained pedestrians’ unsafe crossing behaviour. The calculated critical gap and critical lag ranged from 2.19 to 3.90 seconds and the effect of crossing distance on gap-acceptance emerged in this study. Possible interventions are finally suggested.