They're called multiple-threat crashes. Now, how do we prevent them? - TwinCities.com-Pioneer Press
The life-changing collision in May between a car and two pedestrians near Macalester College was similar to a crash last week that critically injured an 11-year-old boy as he walked to school in St. Paul. In both cases on multi-lane roads, it appears one vehicle stopped for pedestrians, but another car traveling in the same direction did not. The scenario is called a multiple-threat crash, said Melissa Barnes, Minnesota Department of Transportation pedestrian and bicycle safety engineer. There's not definitive data in the state about how often they happen, but many drivers and pedestrians have been in situations that could have ended in such a collision. "The problem is, one car will stop for a pedestrian and the other car really isn't sure why that vehicle is stopped," Barnes said. The other (driver) might not process, 'Oh, there's a pedestrian coming' because the pedestrian is basically screened by the other car. As the pedestrian continues across the road, they don't necessarily stop and peek out from the car to make sure the coast is clear. MnDOT is working with other agencies to teach elementary-school students about crossing the road safely, Barnes said. Source: www.twincities.com
