A new analysis of ambulance response data in Boston has illuminated a troubling trend regarding pedestrian safety in the city. According to a recent study published in the journal Cities & Health, reckless driving is disproportionately impacting pedestrians living in predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods, even when these individuals are found in predominantly white areas such as Back Bay and Beacon Hill.
The research was led by a team including academics and Boston Emergency Medical Services (EMS) employees and examined ambulance responses to traffic incidents from 2016 to 2021. The data revealed significant disparities in violent crashes across neighborhoods of differing racial compositions.
In neighborhoods classified as the least white, including Mattapan, Hyde Park, and Nubian Square, there were 2.7 times more emergency calls related to pedestrian crashes than in the whitest neighborhoods like Back Bay, West Roxbury, and Dorchester Heights. However, the findings extend beyond mere statistics about crash locations.
The researchers also analyzed where the victims of traffic incidents resided, discovering that residents from less-white neighborhoods accounted for nearly half of the crash victims in predominantly white neighborhoods. Specifically, while non-white neighborhoods contribute to 90% of crash victims within their own regions, they account for about 50% of victims in white neighborhoods, often occurring far from their homes.
Mark Brennan, the study’s lead author and now an Assistant Professor at Rutgers University, noted some underlying factors contributing to this issue. He pointed out that neighborhoods with fewer white residents also tend to have less job availability compared to predominantly white areas encompassing downtown Boston, the Seaport district, and Back Bay.
This dynamic results in longer travel times and increased exposure to traffic hazards.
Brennan, who conducted the research during a fellowship with Boston EMS after obtaining his Ph.D. from MIT, praised the agency for facilitating this analysis. He commended the EMS department for its forward-thinking approach to public safety and their willingness to engage with critical issues surrounding traffic safety.
While Brennan refrained from speculating on the specific reasons behind the increased vulnerability of people of color to dangerous driving, he did emphasize that understanding the root causes is not a prerequisite for initiating change. “Our data doesn’t necessarily indicate why this is happening,” Brennan stated. “But we know traffic calming works.”
Caitlin McLaughlin, Director of Media and Public Relations for Boston EMS, echoed these sentiments in a statement. She expressed that the study underscores the need for a comprehensive strategy that focuses on the safety of residents within their communities as well as across the city.
McLaughlin noted that Boston EMS has been collaborating with the city’s Streets Cabinet for over a decade to enhance safety measures based on traffic crash data. Recently, the Streets Cabinet has adapted its strategy to align with a broader citywide public health perspective, resulting in further reductions in roadway incidents.
This study serves as a crucial reminder of the need for ongoing efforts to ensure pedestrian safety in Boston, particularly for vulnerable communities disproportionately affected by traffic violence. As this analysis showcases the disparities in pedestrian safety across the city’s neighborhoods, it highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to protect all residents regardless of their racial or economic backgrounds.
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