The state Highway Patrol plans to conduct an aggressive campaign to reduce pedestrian fatalities. 

In 2011 five pedestrians were killed locally. Statewide there were 86 killed that year, according to Trooper Tommy Davis.

While there were 90 pedestrian fatalities across the state in 2010, there were none locally.

The causes of the five deaths last year included walking in the roadway, alcohol, wearing dark clothes, walking against traffic and walking in the travel lane.

“For one, if you have to walk, walk facing traffic so you can see what’s coming,” Davis said. “It’s too late once a car comes up on them.”

In one of the most recent fatal pedestrian crashes, where two were killed, the driver was also charged, making it not only the responsibility of the pedestrians but the motorist. “All had been drinking,” Davis said. “It was a combination of everything.”

Davis checks for information.

That’s why Davis advises staying off the roadway and walk on the shoulder of the road. If the shoulder is not wide enough, walk out of the way, even if it means having to stop your walk.

The car in the double pedestrian fatality was traveling between 25 miles per hour to 30 miles per hour. While it may seem slow, he said, “You can’t survive a collision with a car traveling 25 to 30 miles per hour. We don’t understand why people would put their lives in jeopardy by walking in front of a 2,000-pound car. It’s just like walking in front of a tank.”

If you know you’re going to be walking wear light clothing or clothing that has reflective capability. If you’re too drunk to drive, you’re too drunk to walk. Stay at the place you’re at until you sober up. “People are dying over something they can change. Stay where you are if no one can pick you up.”

In most cases, a motorist is not going to be charged. “You can’t miss what you can’t see,” Davis said. “Motorists should be observant and always look ahead. Don’t try to outrun your headlights. Keep you eyes on the road and don’t be distracted by your cell phone and radio. That split second could mean someone’s life.”

Should a driver hit someone their first responsibility is to render aid as much as possible and call 911 or the appropriate law enforcement authority.

Davis advises staying at the scene. If you don’t have a cell phone, however, you can leave the scene to find help but must return.

From there troopers will look at the scene, focusing on the point of impact to determine whether the pedestrian was on the shoulder or in the middle of the road. “When someone is hit they will leave some type of evidence. The dark clothing is the number one thing we definitely look for.”

As summer approaches, more pedestrians are going to be out, Davis said. “We’re going to be running street enforcement this year. Any violator will be cited.”

The citation will be for impeding traffic, which carries a $200 fine plus court costs. “Any time someone swerves to miss you, that’s impeding traffic.”