WASHINGTON, D.C. — Pedestrian safety is a nationwide issue. That’s why Tuesday, the National Transportation Safety Board hosted a forum to discuss ways to improve pedestrian safety.
The forum was organized around four panels, each addressing different aspects of pedestrian safety.
Researchers with UNC Highway Safety Research Center took part in the panel discussions, which included underlying effects of the safety risks for walking across or along public roads; federal, state and local urban planning and policy; safety initiatives and funding for them; and vehicle-based solutions.
According to the Charlotte Department of Transportation there have been 148 pedestrian crashes in the city this year, compared to the 373 in 2015 and 371 in 2014.
Channel 9 has reported on recent pedestrian crashes where the victim was killed. Just last month, 6-year-old Anthony Castellano-Rivera died after he was hit by a van on Eastway Drive. A few months earlier, Kelli Putnam, 28, was hit and killed by a car while attempting to cross South Boulevard.
Michael O’Keefe, 49, died of his injuries Tuesday after he was struck by a car April 30 while crossing The Plaza.
“The traffic is terrible,” said Neincy Im, who lives off The Plaza. “They’re (cars) going really fast at times.”
Im and her son often walk The Plaza. She recalls the April crash that killed O’Keefe, as well as little Anthony’s crash. Her son is just one year older than he was.
“He was with his parent, and still it was very unsafe,” Im said.
In Charlotte, transportation leaders are taking strides of their own. Right now, CDOT is conducting a study to determine ways to improve pedestrian safety, particularly on stretches of South Tryon and South Boulevard.
Residents are invited to offer their thoughts and suggestions for the two corridors during a public workshop at the Charlotte Trolley Museum on May 16 starting at 5:30 p.m.
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