(Ashland) – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reminding both pedestrians and motorists that safety is a shared responsibility.
Since 2018, there have been 14,119 pedestrian-related crashes on Ohio’s roadways. Of those, 851 were fatal crashes resulting in the deaths of 853 pedestrians.
During this time, more than 45% of pedestrians killed in motor vehicle crashes were suspected of being impaired. Pedestrians were at fault in 33% of pedestrian-related crashes, and at fault in 52% of fatal pedestrian-related crashes.
“Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility of both drivers and pedestrians,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “I encourage pedestrians to protect themselves and stay alert around vehicles and drivers to stay alert and watch for pedestrians.”
Pedestrians should always use a sidewalk when it is provided. It is unlawful for pedestrians to walk along and upon the adjacent roadway if a sidewalk is available. Where no sidewalk or shoulder exists, pedestrians may walk as close as practicable to an outside edge of the road, facing oncoming traffic.
“As a driver, one of the many responsibilities you have is to be aware of your surroundings,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “Keep alert at all times. Avoid distractions and look for pedestrians.”
Pedestrians and motorists can follow these tips to increase pedestrian safety:
• Do not be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes and ears off the roadway.
• Pedestrians should wear bright or reflective clothing, especially at night.
• Pedestrians should cross where motorists expect them to, follow pedestrian signs and signals, and never assume a driver can see them.
• Motorists are required to yield to pedestrians in a marked crosswalk and in unmarked crosswalks at intersections.
• Motorists can use bright headlights when legally able to illuminate the roadway and possibly spot a
• Motorists should slow down and drive cautiously in residential areas.
A statistical map containing pedestrian-related crash information can be found here.