Recent Accidents Focus Attention on Pedestrian Safety: Numbers Show Decline in 2013

It’s only March, and already this year, three pedestrians have been hit by cars in State College. Two such accidents happened this past weekend. A 19-year-old man was hit Friday night while trying to cross East College Avenue. He was airlifted to an Altoona hospital for treatment for head trauma. Hours later, a Penn State student was struck while crossing Atherton Street.

Statistically, however, 2013 has been better than past years. By this time in 2012, there were already 14 incidents involving pedestrians being struck by vehicles. There has only been one fatality in the past five years. 

While there are fewer pedestrian accidents in 2013, these types of accidents are still a concern. Police say there are no trends as far as when and where crashes involving pedestrians happen. 

The State College Police Department covers the borough, College Township and Harris Township. Here’s a look at past years.

Lt. Chris Fishel said there’s no one specific time or place where the crashes occur. In fact, between November and December 2012, incidents involving pedestrians were spread out in terms of what time they occurred and where. There was one at 9 a.m., another at noon, one at 2:45 p.m. and then one right before 9 p.m. They also occur anywhere from the west side of town to the downtown business district and over on the east side of the borough.

“There’s no trend, per say,” Fishel said. “We can’t look at it and say, ‘This only happens at intersections with traffic lights at certain times. It’s also not necessarily because anyone was intoxicated.” 

By the numbers:

• 2008:35 reported accidents, 33 injuries. 

• 2009:36 reported accidents, 34 injuries. 

• 2010:27 reported accidents, 25 injuries. 

• 2011: 24 reported incidents, 24 reported injuries sustained and one fatality. 

• 2012: 32 incidents were reported and 32 injuries sustained. There were no fatalities. 

• 2013: police have fielded three reports so far. 

Fishel said in some incidents over the past five years, there were no injuries, but in others, more than one person was hurt.

Heavy pedestrian traffic – such as when students are between classes – combined with increased vehicle traffic can often lead to an increase in pedestrian-related accidents, Fishel said. While many may want to conclude that alcohol was a factor, either in part of the driver or the pedestrian, Fishel said the reality is that more reports come in during the morning and afternoon hours than late at night. 

State College Police Chief Tom King said there are simple ways for pedestrians and drivers to be more safe. Police provided some tips: 

Pedestrian safety: 

• Cross the street at a designated crosswalk.

• Be careful at intersections, where drivers may fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians while turning onto another street.

• Increase your visibility at night by carrying a flashlight and wearing reflective clothing.

• It’s safest to walk on a sidewalk, but if you must walk in the street, walk facing traffic.

• Avoid texting, reading messages, or other activities that can be distracting when crossing streets

• Be cautious. Most drivers are courteous but don’t count on them paying attention. Watch out – make eye contact to be sure they see you!

• Alcohol and drugs can impair your ability to walk safely, just like they do a person’s ability to drive.

• Use extra caution when crossing multiple-lane, higher speed streets.

Motorist safety: 

• Pedestrians can be encountered anytime and anywhere, even in places where they are not supposed to be found.

• Pedestrians can be very hard to see – especially in bad weather or at night. You must be observant and slow down if you can’t see clearly.

• When entering a crosswalk area, drive slowly and be prepared to stop.

• Stop for pedestrians who are in a crosswalk, even if it is not marked. When you stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk, stop well back so that drivers in the other lanes can also see the pedestrian in time to stop.

• Do not overtake and pass other vehicles stopped for pedestrians.

• When you are turning, you often will have to wait for a “gap” in traffic. Beware that while you are watching for that “gap,” pedestrians may have moved into your intended path.

• Be especially attentive around our downtown at all times, day and night

• Also be attentive near schools and in neighborhoods where children are active.