Three Killed Hours After Portland Celebrates Plan to Promote Public Safety 

Motor vehicle accidents in Portland involving drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians are an unfortunately common occurrence. They put residents of our area at risk for serious and potentially life-threatening personal injuries. Public officials are aware of the dangers and have implemented changes designed to improve safety. However, recent events revealed the enormity of the situation and the problems the city faces. Within hours of a celebration held by politicians promoting Portland’s traffic safety plans, three people were killed as the result of crashes and collisions.  

Personal Injuries and Accidental Deaths Mar Portland Officials’ Plans

On the afternoon of June 13, 2019, Portland Commissioner Chloe Eudaly and other city officials held a news conference to celebrate the completion of a $9 million safety project designed to improve conditions on Southeast Foster Road, one of the area’s biggest thoroughfares. The improvements were hailed as a victory, part of a coordinated effort that has been ongoing throughout Portland to reduce the number of accidents and injuries. By that evening, officials were stunned to learn that one person was killed on the road within hours of the news conference while two others were fatally injured in other parts of the city. 

According to a report by Oregon Live, an 82-year-old woman was killed in a pedestrian accident on Southeast Foster Road late Thursday afternoon while trying to cross the street. Two others died in a single-vehicle accident that occurred that evening on Interstate 405 in the downtown area. Their passing brings the death toll on Portland roads this year to an alarming 25, while hundreds of others have suffered serious personal injuries. 

Personal Injuries Impact Residents, City Officials

The improvements that were celebrated at the news conference are part of Portland’s Vision Zero program. The goal is to eliminate traffic deaths and reduce the high number of personal injuries that occur on roads throughout the area. Elected officials have faced pressure from the general public and the loved ones of those involved in accidents to make the necessary changes. They also have their own reasons for supporting the plan: Eudaly and two other politicians have lost family members to crashes within the past several years. 

The project recently completed on Southeast Foster Road was aimed at improving walkways and widening bike paths to accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians. These individuals often bear the most serious and life-threatening personal injuries when accidents occur. Other improvements being made throughout the city include the following: 

• Increasing the number of crosswalks;
• Improving existing signs and signals;
• Designing roads to improve traffic conditions, which can lead to accidents;
• Increasing law enforcement efforts at apprehending those who engage in reckless driving behaviors. 

Let Us Help You Today

When you or a loved one suffers serious personal injuries, the Johnston Law Firm acts as a strong legal advocate to help you get the compensation you deserve. Call (503) 546-3167 or contact our Portland personal injury attorneys online to schedule a consultation in our office today.