Traffic safety officials in Portland and across the state continue to be alarmed by the high rate of pedestrian accidents. Despite increased public awareness and coordinated efforts at improving infrastructure issues, the overall number of cases continues to climb. Knowing where pedestrian accidents are most likely to happen can help to reduce your risks.
Tragic Fatal Pedestrian Accident in Portland Highlights Potential Risks
An October 2020 KATU News report highlights the risks pedestrians face on busy roads. Two women were tragically killed in a pedestrian accident after their vehicle broke down on I-5, between Northeast Killingsworth Street and the Rose Quarter. Portland police reports indicate that the women were on the shoulder of the road with a third, male pedestrian, waiting for help to arrive. Another vehicle had stopped to offer assistance but was in the center of the highway. As the women crossed lanes, they were struck by a driver in a 2016 Ford Fusion. They both died at the scene.
The pedestrian accident happened just before 2:30 a.m. on a Saturday morning. Crossing a busy highway at any time of day is always dangerous and poor visibility likely played a role in the crash. However, the 25-year-old driver was determined to be under the influence at the time and is now facing charges for criminally negligent homicide. Portland Police said that it was the third fatal crash to occur in the city over a 24-hour period.
Where Pedestrian Accidents Are Most Likely To Occur
Reports from the Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA) show fatal pedestrian accidents have reached new peaks over the past few years, with the highest numbers of victims since 1988. After 30 years of declining pedestrian fatalities, the report claims that recent trends are a complete reversal of any progress that has been made.
Oregon in particular was named as one of the most dangerous states for pedestrians, with close to a 25 percent increase in fatalities between 2018 to 2019. Overall, our pedestrian accident rate ranks the state 17th highest in the country. In Portland, 16 pedestrians were killed last year, the deadliest since 1997.
An increase in cell phone usage, resulting in distracted driving, is a commonly cited contributing factor, as is speeding and the large number of SUVs on the road, which can cause pedestrian accident injuries to be more severe. Among the places where pedestrians are most at risk include:
- On busy roads in Portland, such as 82nd Avenue, Tualatin Valley Highway, or McLoughlin Boulevard;
- In areas without proper infrastructure, including sidewalks, crosswalks, and traffic signals;
- In any area where there are foggy, wet weather conditions, which impact visibility;
- In parking lots and anywhere near bars, restaurants, or other entertainment venues that serve alcohol.
Our Portland Pedestrian Accident Attorneys Are Here To Help
When pedestrian accidents impact you or someone you love, the Johnston Law Firm P.C. is here to help you get the compensation you need to recover. To request a consultation, call (503) 546-3167 or contact our Portland pedestrian accident attorneys online today.