Making our Streets Safer for All
Tucson experiences one of the highest pedestrian fatality rates in the nation, with over 70 pedestrian deaths recorded in the past year alone. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), nearly 30% of traffic fatalities in Tucson involve pedestrians, compared to the national average of 17%. Furthermore, 60% of pedestrian fatalities occur on arterial, Such as Golf Links and Broadway Boulevard, where speed limits often exceed 40 mph.
On a personal level, my children ride the streets of Tucson with El Grupo. I commute to work 3-4x/day, and my wife rides about 50 miles a week, mostly around The Loop. Every time I or one of my friends or family members take to the streets, we are putting ourselves at risk.
Understanding the Problem
Several factors contribute to pedestrian safety challenges in Tucson:
High-speed roads: Streets designed for fast-moving vehicles can be dangerous for pedestrians. We lack cross-town freeways, which places a greater burden on our surface streets.
Inadequate crosswalks: Many intersections are not well marked.
Poor lighting: Poor street lighting makes it harder for drivers to see pedestrians at night. Nearly 75% of pedestrian fatalities occur after dark, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Distracted driving and walking: Technology and inattention play a significant role in accidents. Studies show that distracted driving is a factor in at least 10% of pedestrian crashes.
Lack of sidewalks: Many neighborhoods and major roadways lack proper sidewalks, forcing pedestrians to walk along the edges of roads. This significantly increases the risk of accidents, especially in areas with heavy traffic or poor lighting.
Steps to Make a Difference
Everyone has a role to play in improving pedestrian safety. Here are some steps the City of Tucson can take.
Infrastructure Improvements
Speed bumps/humps, pedestrian refuge islands, and extended crossing times at intersections.
More pedestrian-specific road crossings and signals
Refine and improve current policies that prioritize safe access for all road users.
Push for funding to build and maintain sidewalks in underserved areas.
Education and Awareness
Workshops and events promoting pedestrian safety.
Spread awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and walking.
Community Involvement
Report unsafe conditions, such as broken crosswalk signals or poorly lit areas, using the city’s complaint system.
Utilize current advocacy and safety groups such as the Living Streets Alliance to better craft meaningful policy changes.
We can build a Tucson where everyone feels safe riding a bike, crossing the street, walking to work, or simply enjoying a stroll.
