Salem Chief Issues Alert After 3 Pedestrian Strikes In 2 Days

Salem MA

09 March, 2022

10:41 AM

Description

SALEM, MA — An alarming rash of pedestrian strikes in Salem has Police Chief Lucas Miller urging caution both for drivers and those walking through intersections in the city after dark. Miller said there were three vehicle hits of pedestrians within 48 within the past week. All three strikes came at night, but at different intersections in different parts of the city, with different signaling patterns. "They don't seem to be part of a single, particularly dangerous element, except that they all occurred after dark," Miller said. "It does bear repeating certain precautions that motorists and pedestrians alike should follow." Drivers are reminded that pedestrians could be walking in expected areas, especially at night and in bad weather, and to always stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk. Drivers should also never pass a vehicle paused near a crosswalk because they could be waiting for a pedestrian to cross and should always be on the lookout for children crossing near schools. The speed limit in unposted areas of Salem is 25 mph — while slower speeds may be necessary for poor weather. "Lower speeds are one of the factors in pedestrian crash survivability," Miller said. Hand-held phone use is illegal in Massachusetts. Drivers should consider pulling over and stopping if they need to make a call. Do not drive intoxicated or drug-inhibited. Pedestrians also have a role they must pay to keep themselves safe and alert drivers to their presence. Always walk on the sidewalk or path. If there is none, walk facing traffic and as far to the side of the road as possible. Cross at crosswalks. If there are no crosswalks in the area, cross in a well-lit area where there is a large enough gap in traffic to cross comfortably. Be aware that walking with headphones or talking on a phone can cause a lack of alertness and lead to not hearing a car horn or missing a crossing signal change. Also, be aware that walking while intoxicated presents dangers as well. Miller said an estimated 33 percent of all fatal pedestrian strikes across the country in 2018 happened when the pedestrian was drunk. Never assume a driver will see you. Wear bright clothing and reflective clothing at night, or walk with a flashlight (smartphones typically have free flashlight apps.) "These may seem like common sense suggestions," Miller said. "But if we all follow them, far fewer lives would be lost to auto accidents." (Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at [email protected]. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)