Walk a mile in their shoes: Results from a focus group research study to determine pedestrian related behavioral and environmental risk factors among high risk child pedestrians

Purpose: To determine pedestrian-related behavioral and environmental risk factors among African-American males that may contribute to their disproportionately high incidence of child pedestrian death and injury. To determine protective factors for children at low risk for pedestrian-related death and injury.

Methods: Safe Kids coalitions conducted focus groups with four target populations: 1) African-American males, ages 6-14, low-income areas, high population density (high-risk group); 2) parents/caregivers of group one; 3) Caucasian females, ages 6-14, moderate- to high-income areas, lower population density (low-risk group); and 4) parents/caregivers of group three. Self-administered surveys gathered basic demographic information, perceptions of neighborhood safety, attitudes and behavior of child pedestrians.

Results: Findings suggest that a high prevalence of crime in neighborhoods with high-risk males has a negative effect on their pedestrian safety behavior and their parents/caregivers' view of pedestrian-related injury as a serious issue. In terms of pedestrian safety behavior, the poor practice of mid-block crossing is practiced by children in both risk groups. Parents from both groups are concerned about child abductions and teach children to avoid strangers, diluting pedestrian safety teachings. In terms of environmental pedestrian safety measures, all parent and child groups report inconsistencies in traffic calming/regulating devices in residential settings. Findings will be used to guide messaging for the Safe Kids Walk This Way pedestrian safety program.

Conclusions: Childhood injury prevention programs should address the impact of crime, lack of pedestrian safety resources and traffic enforcement on child pedestrian behavior in high-risk communities.