Crosswalk steps up student safety
The crosswalk lights improve safety, but only if the button is pushed
Jessie Hethcoat
Issue date: 11/12/09 Section: News
This year, the University decided to install lights in the crosswalk to make it even safer.
However, the City of Portland delayed giving the University a decision. Finally, the City compromised with UP to install the model of crosswalk on Willamette now.
This model is fueled by a solar battery that is able to live off its charge in the winter months, requiring only a small amount of power to operate.
According to Kuffner and the City of Portland, pedestrians are four times safer with the addition of the crosswalk lights.
Prior to the installation of the lights, Kuffner explains, it was touch-and-go whether or not motorists would stop.
Sophomore Gabby Hansen saw this in effect.
"I used to see cars zipping through the crosswalk all the time while I was waiting to cross," Hansen said. "A lot of the time, people wouldn't even slow down or stop unless you were already walking through it."
The crosswalk lights have alleviated much of this problem.
"Now, the lights flash for 15 to 20 seconds, and it's much more clear that motorists are required to stop," Kuffner said
Not only is it much safer to slow or stop at crosswalks when people are waiting. It's the law.
According to Oregon state law ORS 811.028 drivers must stop and remained stopped until pedestrians clear the driver's lane and up to two lanes afterward.
If a pedestrian is in a safety buffer when the vehicle enters the crosswalk, the driver's fine is over $200.
Statistics show that pedestrians often pay an even higher price: Pedestrians account for 10 to 15 percent of traffic fatalities each year.
The failure of drivers to yield to a pedestrian is the driver's error three out of four times in motor vehicle-pedestrian crashes.
Half of the pedestrians who are hit by cars each year are hit while in a crosswalk.
Sophomore Andrew Hudak believes that the new crosswalk lights have made a difference.
"I think it makes a big difference," Hudak said. "It makes crossing the street at the main entrance as safe as it is at the Portsmouth traffic light."
Even so, the new crosswalk function is the pedestrian's responsibility.
"Even if it's out of your way, please press the button because the effect it has on motorists is huge," Kuffner said.
However, the City of Portland delayed giving the University a decision. Finally, the City compromised with UP to install the model of crosswalk on Willamette now.
This model is fueled by a solar battery that is able to live off its charge in the winter months, requiring only a small amount of power to operate.
According to Kuffner and the City of Portland, pedestrians are four times safer with the addition of the crosswalk lights.
Prior to the installation of the lights, Kuffner explains, it was touch-and-go whether or not motorists would stop.
Sophomore Gabby Hansen saw this in effect.
"I used to see cars zipping through the crosswalk all the time while I was waiting to cross," Hansen said. "A lot of the time, people wouldn't even slow down or stop unless you were already walking through it."
The crosswalk lights have alleviated much of this problem.
"Now, the lights flash for 15 to 20 seconds, and it's much more clear that motorists are required to stop," Kuffner said
Not only is it much safer to slow or stop at crosswalks when people are waiting. It's the law.
According to Oregon state law ORS 811.028 drivers must stop and remained stopped until pedestrians clear the driver's lane and up to two lanes afterward.
If a pedestrian is in a safety buffer when the vehicle enters the crosswalk, the driver's fine is over $200.
Statistics show that pedestrians often pay an even higher price: Pedestrians account for 10 to 15 percent of traffic fatalities each year.
The failure of drivers to yield to a pedestrian is the driver's error three out of four times in motor vehicle-pedestrian crashes.
Half of the pedestrians who are hit by cars each year are hit while in a crosswalk.
Sophomore Andrew Hudak believes that the new crosswalk lights have made a difference.
"I think it makes a big difference," Hudak said. "It makes crossing the street at the main entrance as safe as it is at the Portsmouth traffic light."
Even so, the new crosswalk function is the pedestrian's responsibility.
"Even if it's out of your way, please press the button because the effect it has on motorists is huge," Kuffner said.
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