Downtown Portland is a busy place. Pedestrians typically crowd sidewalks and congregate near local stores and eateries while nearby motorists fight traffic on congested and heavily traveled roads. Unfortunately, this can be a dangerous combination. When car crashes happen, pedestrians can end up being involved. This was the case in a recent pedestrian accident in Portland that tragically claimed the life of a local man.
Driver in Collision Responsible for Fatal Pedestrian Accident
Family, friends, and coworkers are mourning the death of a 36-year-old local man. He was killed in a pedestrian accident outside his job at The East Burn Public House, a popular neighborhood restaurant on the corner of 18th Avenue and Burnside Street. According to a September 15, 2020 Bike Portland report, the fatal accident happened at roughly 7:00 p.m. Friday night.
Police claim that an 18-year-old intoxicated driver was heading southbound down the street in a Subaru Forester when he ran through a stop sign, crashing into a driver in a Toyota Tacoma truck going through the intersection. The force of the collision sent the Subaru skidding across the street and up onto the sidewalk in front of the restaurant. The victim, who worked there and was standing out front, was pinned against a wall. He later died as a result of his injuries.
The at-fault driver tested positive for alcohol in his system, with a blood alcohol score of .12 percent, well over the legal limit. He was charged with Manslaughter in the Second Degree, Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, Reckless Driving, and three counts of Reckless Endangerment. Bike Portland’s fatality tracker indicates that this is the 35th traffic-related death to occur in the city this year. Over half of the victims were pedestrians.
How Pedestrians Can Help Protect Themselves Against Reckless Motorists
The intersection where the above pedestrian accident happened is known to be one of the most dangerous in the city. While Portland aims to address infrastructure problems through its Vision Zero program, it is important for pedestrians to be aware of the potential dangers. Narrow streets, a lack of traffic signs or signals, and heavy traffic all increase pedestrian accident risks.
Crashes and collisions between automobiles have the potential to impact pedestrians nearby, whether they are on sidewalks, at outdoor eateries, getting in or out of cars and buses, or attempting to use nearby crosswalks. Steps you can take to protect yourself include:
- Pay attention when walking for sounds that could indicate an impending crash, such as screeching tires or the sound of horns;
- Choose walking routes where speed limits are lower and traffic is less congested;
- Wear light, bright colored clothing to increase visibility;
- Always check for traffic before stepping into the street or exiting a bus or vehicle.
Let Us Help You Today
At the Johnston Law Firm P.C., we help victims of pedestrian accidents and their families hold at-fault drivers accountable. To find out how we can help you, call (503) 546-3167 or contact our Portland pedestrian accident attorneys online and request a consultation today.