Last month, the Portland Mercury reported on the most recent pedestrian/bicyclist accident data released by the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT). This data was compiled and published by PBOT as part of ‘Vision Zero’, a public safety initiative that seeks to make our city free from pedestrian accidents deaths by 2035.
Unfortunately, this most recent Vision Zero report from PBOT is extremely alarming. Portland is still far too dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists. In this post, our experienced Portland pedestrian accident attorney highlights four of the most notable findings contained within the PBOT Vision Zero report.
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Our Goals Have Become More Lofty, But Traffic Safety is Not Improving
In 2012, the Portland Regional Transportation Plan included the goal of reducing total traffic accident fatalities by 50 percent by the year 2035. Six years later, the 2018 Portland Regional Transportation Plan now has a goal of eliminating all traffic fatalities by 2035.
While it is good to see that our goals have become more aggressive. The reality is that we are not making progress. Recent trends suggest that the total number of highway fatalities per vehicle mile driven are about the same as they were six years ago. If anything, our roadways may even have become slightly more dangerous. At the current time, Portland is not on pace to meet its goals.
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Pedestrian Accidents are Now the Most Common Type of Fatal Accident
According to the most up-to-date data, pedestrian accidents now account for 34 percent of all traffic fatalities in Portland. While the total number of car accident deaths and serious injuries have leveled off for motorists and passengers, Portland’s roads are becoming more risky for pedestrians and bicyclists. It is clear that additional action must be taken to protect pedestrians.
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Arterial Roadways are Especially Dangerous
Notably, the largest share of serious traffic accidents in Portland occur on arterial roadways. Arterial roadways are the high-capacity, urban roads that have multiple lanes and run at relatively high rates of speed. Our city is building even more arterial roadways in the coming years. As these roadways are especially dangerous, policymakers should work to look for solutions to make these roads safer for everyone.
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Most Portland Pedestrian Accidents Occur at Night
While pedestrians are far more likely to be out during the day, most serious pedestrian accidents actually take place at night. According to data included within the Portland Regional Transportation Plan, 64 percent of serious pedestrian collisions occur during nighttime hours. If you or your loved one is walking at night, please be sure take extra precautions to protect your health and safety.
Contact Our Portland Pedestrian Lawyers Today
At Johnston Law Firm, P.C., our skilled Portland personal injury attorney has deep experience handling pedestrian accident cases. If you were injured in a pedestrian collision in Multnomah County, we can help. Please call us today for a free, fully private consultation at (503) 546-3167. With an office in Portland, we serve injured pedestrians throughout Oregon and Washington.