Reflective Fabric
(56)
Reflective Sheeting
(16)
Reflective Vest
(51)
Reflective Tape
(35)
Reflective Sticker
(13)
Safety Barricade
(20)
Safety Garment
(22)
State highway officials and the Oregon State Police say they have seen a dramatic rise in the number of pedestrian deaths this year.
"The increase this year over last year is pretty alarming," said OSP spokesman Lt. Gregg Hastings.
Fifty-two pedestrians have been killed on Oregon roads this year, an 80 percent increase over 2009. Last year during the same period, 29 pedestrians were killed.
Just last week, three people died after being struck by cars; one in Eugene, one in Milton-Freewater and another in Welches, which brought the number of pedestrian deaths this year equal to all of 2008, the Oregon Department of Transportation said. Last year, 37 pedestrians were killed in Oregon.
Here are some basic safety tips:
Use crosswalks, which are engineered to be the safest places to cross streets, while alerting motorists to be cautious.
Follow the law. Especially at unsignaled crosswalks, you are required to exercise "due care." Attempt to be seen, make eye contact with drivers if possible, and give them enough time to stop before stepping into the street. Of course, motorists must remain stopped until the crossing is clear.
Be seen. As the days get darker, sew a patch of reflective fabric on your bag or jacket. And wear white or yellow. On a scale of 1 to 100, with black being 100, most reds, greens and blues land at about an 80.
Keep looking. Don't assume cars know pedestrian rights. Continue looking while you cross, especially for turning vehicles.
