Pedestrian accidents are rising in many U.S. cities, and Durham is no exception. The way roads are designed plays a bigger role than most people realize. If you’ve been affected, speaking with a personal injury lawyer Durham may help you understand your legal options.

The Link Between Urban Planning And Pedestrian Safety

How a city is designed directly affects how safe it is for people walking or biking. Narrow sidewalks, wide roads, and poor signage can all create dangerous conditions. In many parts of Durham, these issues are common.

Some neighborhoods lack crosswalks or traffic signals altogether, and others have confusing or not-so-visible intersections. When roads prioritize cars over people, accidents are more likely.

Good design can protect lives, but poor design increases risk. Unfortunately, many of Durham’s roadways were built when car traffic was the top priority, leaving pedestrians and cyclists vulnerable.

Common Road Design Issues In Durham

One major problem is the lack of safe crosswalks in busy areas. In neighborhoods near schools or parks, crosswalks are often faded, unlit, or located too far apart. This leads people to cross mid-block, where drivers may not expect them.

Another issue is wide intersections and multi-lane roads. These allow vehicles to turn quickly, often without checking for walkers or cyclists. This design can result in high-speed collisions at crosswalks.

Lastly, missing sidewalks or poorly maintained walkways force pedestrians into the street. In lower-income areas, sidewalk infrastructure may be incomplete or damaged, putting people in harm’s way.

Impact On Walkers And Cyclists

Durham’s current road layout heavily favors vehicles over foot or bike traffic. While car travel is fast and direct, pedestrian routes are often indirect and unsafe. This imbalance leads to higher injury rates for those walking or biking.

Cyclists face particular challenges with narrow shoulders and minimal bike lanes. Even when bike lanes exist, they are often poorly marked or shared with parked cars. This increases the likelihood of “dooring” accidents or forced swerving into traffic.

Walkers face long waits at lights or crossing points far from their destinations. Impatient pedestrians may try to cross anyway, leading to dangerous encounters with speeding vehicles.

Who Is Most At Risk?

Vulnerable populations are most impacted by bad road design. This includes the elderly, children, and people with disabilities. These groups are in danger when intersections don’t allow enough time to cross or ramps are missing.

People in lower-income communities are also disproportionately affected. These neighborhoods often lack investment in safe pedestrian infrastructure. They may rely more heavily on walking or public transportation, increasing their exposure to road hazards.

Students, especially around college campuses, are another high-risk group. Many rely on walking or biking to get to class, and high-traffic areas near Duke University and downtown Durham can be hazardous.

How Better Design Can Help

Simple changes in road design can drastically reduce pedestrian accidents. More crosswalks, pedestrian signals, and curb extensions can make roads safer. Slowing down traffic in busy areas also helps protect walkers and cyclists.

Buffered bike lanes and protected intersections are proven safety measures. These features give cyclists dedicated space and make them more visible to drivers. Improved signage and lighting at crossings also reduce confusion.

Urban planners now use tools like traffic calming and complete street policies. These approaches aim to design roads for everyone, not just cars. Durham has begun to adopt some of these strategies, but more work is needed.

Conclusion

Poor road design can silently put pedestrians at risk every day. As Durham continues to grow, more thoughtful planning is essential for safety. If you’ve been injured, a personal injury lawyer Durham can help you take the next steps toward recovery and justice.