A Marion county resident was struck and killed in the early morning hours while searching for his family dog. He was wearing dark clothing and couldn’t be seen by the motorist until it was too late to avoid the collision. This collision brought the total of Oregon pedestrian deaths perilously close to the record number of deaths in a year.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a statement in the past that the months of October, November, and December are the deadliest months of the year for pedestrians. More than forty percent of all pedestrian deaths occur during these months. Some of the factors which contribute to this increase are poor lighting and visibility, along with dark clothing worn by the pedestrian.
Pedestrians need to make sure and cross roads and streets in crosswalks if available or to cross at intersections. Never assume a driver can see you just because you can see the vehicle. Remember, it is better to wait to cross the road if in doubt. When driving a vehicle, be extra alert and watchful for pedestrians. Stay safe this winter and be a cautious pedestrian.