If crossing the street is such a simple activity, why are thousands of people killed and injured each year while crossing U.S. streets?

A walk across the street seems natural, but it is an engineered activity. The road, traffic light, crosswalk, warning sign, street lighting, and sidewalk provide the infrastructure behind pedestrian and vehicle traffic.

Understanding and shaping social and economic risks are essential activities of civil engineers. How does civil engineering research and design determine pedestrian risk? Speed bumps, signage, cul de sacs and medians minimize risk and heighten awareness of traffic safety.