As warmer weather (slowly) returns, the Oregon Department of Transportation advises both drivers and pedestrians to be on the lookout to avoid deadly crashes – latest reports indicate such crashes up 25 percent year-to-year in 2012.

In 2012 (through April 11), 18 pedestrians have died in vehicle-related crashes; in the two previous years combined (April through June of 2010 & 2011) there were just 24 deaths in 23 crashes.

 “The data show a mix of reasons for crashes and the pedestrian fatalities,” said Julie Yip, Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety Program manager for ODOT. “But a large percentage – about 70 percent – of the crashes show some action of the pedestrian was a contributing factor, so we want to remind walkers how important it is to be alert, be seen and follow the law.”

Perhaps not surprisingly, alcohol played a significant role in many of these crashes – according to ODOT, 58 percent of the pedestrians who died had some level of alcohol in their systems, with 42 percent of those having a blood alcohol content of .08 or greater (Oregon’s minimum legal limit for impaired driving). Additionally of the 23 fatalities, 16 involved cases where pedestrians were illegally in the roadway – such as crossing between intersections or not yielding right of way to the vehicle that struck them.

Drivers were also to blame: One crash that killed two pedestrians involved a driver not stopping as pedestrians crossed in a crosswalk. Two other drivers had alcohol in their systems at the time of the crashes.

  
As ODOT continues to try to battle vehicle-pedestrian fatal crashes with its ‘See and be Seen’ safety campaign, it offers these tips for both:

 
Drivers—

• --Remember, under Oregon law there is a crosswalk at every intersection; stop and stay stopped for pedestrians in crosswalks.
• --Do not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk; a stopped car may be a clue that a pedestrian is crossing.
• --When stopping for a crosswalk between intersections on a multi-lane road, you should stop about 30 feet before the crosswalk so you don’t block visibility to a driver in a second lane.
• --When stopping at an intersection, do not block the crosswalk.
• --Pedestrians move at different speeds. Be alert for children who may suddenly dart into the street. Be patient with older adults who take extra time to cross the street.

 
Pedestrians—

• --Use the route, path, sidewalk, tunnel or crosswalk designated for pedestrians; avoid interactions with vehicles – no matter who is responsible, pedestrians generally lose out in confrontations with vehicles.
• --Before crossing a street, look “left-right-left” for traffic in all directions. Keep looking as you cross the street. With a growing number of electric vehicles on our roads, we can no longer rely on hearing an oncoming vehicle – always be alert!
• --If there are no sidewalks or designated pedestrian routes, walk close to the edge of the road and out of the way of traffic. Walk facing traffic so you can see approaching cars.
• --At intersections, wait for a walk signal to tell you it’s your turn to cross the street. Look before you go to make sure drivers see you and have stopped.
• --Be visible. Wear bright or reflective material, even in daylight, so you can’t be overlooked.

Pedestrian fatalities by county, 2010 and 2011*

*Data for 2011 is preliminary and subject to change.