Another death for a growing list -- auto-pedestrian fatals
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Police says pedestrians make it hard for drivers to see them Video by kgun9.com
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TPD traffic investigator Sgt. Mary Slyter says pedestrians don't realize how hard it is for drivers to see them when they wear dark colors
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Bicyclists Nate Carr says pedestrians often wear dark colors because that's their work uniform---or all they have
Reporter: Craig Smith
TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - It can be a death defying act to cross the street in Tucson and Pima County. There was more proof of that over the weekend.
It happened in Tucson near the intersection of 22nd Street and 8th Avenue where a truck hit and killed a 50 year old man.
What happened includes some safety lessons to help you get home alive.
The accident happened about 7:45 Saturday night. Police said the driver was co-operating, alcohol was not a factor for the driver, but a dark night and dark clothing were.
Traffic investigator Sgt. Mary Slyter says, "This is a very dark area. Pedestrians that are in dark clothing. You can't expect the cars to see you. So it's very important that you as a pedestrian, even if you're in a crosswalk you make sure the driver sees you before you go into their path."
A terrible toll of pedestrian deaths prompted KGUN9 to feature stories about pedestrian safety. They make it clear, making yourself hard for drivers to see, is never a good idea. But pedestrians and bicyclists say they don't always have a choice.
KGUN9 reporter Craig Smith asked bicyclist Nate Carr: "Sometimes police say people make life hard for drivers because they wear dark clothes. I'm wearing dark clothes, you're wearing dark clothes do you try to be careful about that?"
Carr: "Yes but I guess it's something you should keep in mind. I'm wearing this because I got to go to work. That's something to think about too because people who work usually wear uniforms that are dark colors so."
William, didn't want to give his last name. He spends a lot of his life on the streets and thinks with large gaps between crosswalks, police sometimes come down too hard on jaywalkers; but he understands he's responsible for his own safety.
Craig Smith asked: "Sometimes you do see pedestrians who are crossing, middle of the street, don't seem to be paying attention to traffic have you seen that yourself sometimes."
William: "Oh absolutely, people also you have to police yourself to pay attention, you know, you obviously have to look both ways. They teach you that when you're a child. You can't just walk down and expect people to stop."
And Police urge drivers to pay better attention, and not allow things like cell phones to distract them.
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