Vulnerable Roadway Users (Non-Motorized)

• Pedestrians: Individuals walking, jogging, or standing near roadways.
• Bicyclists: People traveling on bicycles, sharing roads with motor vehicles.
• Motorcyclists: Riders of motorcycles, who, despite some protective gear, remain more exposed than car occupants.
• Other Non-Motorized Users: Such as skateboarders, rollerbladers, and users of mobility devices.

Significance of Addressing VRU Safety: VRUs are disproportionately represented in traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries due to their minimal protection. Enhancing their safety is crucial for reducing overall traffic casualties and promoting equitable transportation systems.

National VRU Statistics: 

General Trends in VRU Fatalities

• In 2022, VRUs accounted for 20% of all traffic fatalities, with pedestrian and bicyclist deaths continuing to rise.
• Since 2010, pedestrian fatalities have increased by 77%, while overall traffic deaths increased by 30%.
• In 2022, 7,522 pedestrians were killed, marking the highest number in over 40 years.

Pedestrian Fatalities and Injuries

• Pedestrians make up 17% of all traffic deaths.
• On average, a pedestrian is killed every 71 minutes and injured every 9 minutes in the U.S.
• More than 60% of pedestrian fatalities occur in urban areas, at night, and on non-intersection roadways.
• Alcohol involvement (either by the driver or pedestrian) plays a role in nearly 50% of pedestrian fatalities.

Bicyclist Fatalities and Injuries

• In 2022, 966 bicyclists were killed in traffic crashes, a 9% increase from 2021.
• Fatal bicycle crashes most often occur on major roads (except highways), not local streets.
• 25% of bicyclist deaths involved alcohol impairment (driver or cyclist).

VRU Fatalities Over Time

• Pedestrian deaths increased by 77% from 2010 to 2022, compared to a 30% increase in overall traffic fatalities.
• Bicyclist fatalities increased by 44% between 2010 and 2022.
• Motorcyclist fatalities have risen by 20% since 2010, with helmet non-use a key factor.

Speed vs. Pedestrian Survival Rates

• At 20 mph, a pedestrian has a 90% chance of surviving.
• At 30 mph, the survival rate drops to 60%.
• At 40 mph, 20%.chance of surviving

 Locations of VRU Fatalities

• More than 70% of pedestrian deaths occur in urban areas.
• Over 60% occur on roads without sidewalks.
• 25% of bicyclist fatalities occur at intersections.
• 50% of pedestrian fatalities occur at night.

Contributing Factors to VRU Fatalities

Speeding

• Speeding is a key factor in 29% of pedestrian fatalities.
• A pedestrian struck by a car going 30 mph has a 40% chance of dying, while at 40 mph, the risk jumps to 80%.

Distracted Driving

• Distracted drivers were involved in at least 10% of pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities.
• Cell phone use, in particular, has been linked to an increase in VRU deaths.

Road Design and Infrastructure

• Over 60% of pedestrian deaths occur on roads without sidewalks.
• Poorly designed crosswalks and intersections contribute to VRU risk.

Efforts to Improve VRU Safety

Vision Zero & Safe Streets Initiatives

• Over 45 U.S. cities have adopted Vision Zero policies aiming to eliminate traffic deaths.
• Federal funding is increasing for pedestrian and bike-friendly infrastructure, such as protected bike lanes and improved lighting.

Increased Enforcement & Education

• States are implementing stricter speed limits and harsher penalties for reckless driving in high-risk areas.
• Public campaigns encourage helmet use, reflective gear, and sober walking/cycling.

New Hampshire VRU Statistics:

Non-Motorized User Fatalities and Serious Injuries:

• The Federal Highway Administration's 2023 report indicates that the five-year rolling average for non-motorized fatalities and serious injuries in New Hampshire was 38.0, with actual figures reaching 39.2.

  highways.dot.gov

Pedestrian and Bicyclist Fatalities:

• According to the New Hampshire Department of Transportation's Vulnerable Road User Safety Assessment, pedestrian deaths increased from 2019 to 2020, decreased to 2019 levels in 2021, and returned to 2020 numbers in 2022. Bicyclist fatalities remained relatively low, with three or fewer per year during the analysis period.

  NHDOT

Contributing Factors to VRU Incidents:

• Increased Walking and Biking: The COVID-19 pandemic led to a resurgence in walking and biking, which, combined with decreased motor vehicle traffic and higher speeds, may have contributed to more severe VRU crashes.

  NHDOT

• Driver Behavior: Impaired driving, distraction, and speeding are significant contributors to VRU incidents.