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Pedestrian Fatalities Surge in Anchorage: What’s Driving This Alarming Trend?

Anchorage is grappling with a troubling increase in pedestrian fatalities, with 2024 already marking a grim record. According to Anna Bosin, the central traffic and safety engineer for Alaska’s Department of Transportation, multiple factors contribute to this crisis, and addressing it requires a multifaceted approach.

The Disturbing Statistics

So far this year, drivers have struck and killed 13 pedestrians in Anchorage, with a staggering six deaths occurring in September alone. This marks the highest monthly toll in over a decade. The national uptick in pedestrian fatalities mirrors what is happening locally, prompting urgent calls for action from city and state leaders.

Key Contributing Factors

• Aggressive Driving: Reports indicate that aggressive driving behaviors have played a significant role in many of these tragic incidents.
• Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol and substances continue to impair drivers, leading to fatal consequences.
• Visibility Issues: Many drivers were reported to be operating vehicles without headlights, and the problem was exacerbated by tinted windows, obstructing visibility.
• Poor Infrastructure: The majority of fatalities occurred when pedestrians were crossing outside of designated crosswalks, often in poorly lit areas.

Community Response and Proposals

In response to the alarming rise in pedestrian deaths, Anchorage Assembly leaders are advocating for specific measures to enhance safety:

1. Lowering speed limits on high-traffic roads.
2. Increasing street lighting, particularly in known danger zones.
3. Implementing stricter traffic enforcement and launching public awareness campaigns focused on pedestrian safety.

Funding and Future Initiatives

Funding for these improvements is anticipated to come from the federal Highway Safety Improvement Plan. Bosin notes that many of the locations where pedestrian deaths have occurred are already prioritized for safety upgrades. However, public awareness and community engagement will also be crucial for these initiatives to succeed.

The Bigger Picture

Raveena John from Smart Growth America highlights that Anchorage is not alone in this crisis. Nationwide, pedestrian fatalities have reached a 40-year high, with a 75% increase in pedestrian deaths since 2010. The design of many American cities, with wide roads and fast-moving traffic, has contributed significantly to this trend.

John suggests that redesigning streets—narrowing lanes and adding more crosswalks—could help mitigate this issue. Such changes, she argues, do not solely rely on driver compliance and could significantly enhance pedestrian safety.

Looking Ahead

As Anchorage officials work collaboratively under the Vision Zero initiative, the goal remains clear: to eliminate all pedestrian fatalities. Initial findings on how to curb these tragic incidents will be presented to the Assembly on October 8, with potential funding solutions on the horizon for early 2025.

What do you think?

• Are lowering speed limits and adding lighting enough to address the pedestrian safety crisis in Anchorage?
• How can the community play a more active role in preventing pedestrian fatalities?
• What are your thoughts on the effectiveness of current traffic laws and enforcement in Anchorage?
• Do you believe that infrastructure changes will significantly impact driver behavior?
• Should there be stricter penalties for drivers involved in pedestrian fatalities?