Ogden police stress importance on pedestrian safety after spike in crashes

SALT LAKE CITY — The Ogden Police Department held an event focused on pedestrian safety Tuesday after new data showed the number of auto-pedestrian crashes increased over the last year.

The event, called Crosswalk Safety Project, was held to emphasize the responsibility both drivers and pedestrians have in everyone getting to where they are going safely.

“Our pedestrians who are out walking today are wearing bright clothing. We’re not trying to hide in any way,” said Lt. Glen Buss, with the Ogden Police Department Community Engagement Bureau.

Even still, dozens of drivers have been getting pulled over for not obeying crosswalk laws.

“We want drivers each morning when they get in the vehicle to be thinking about the importance of roadway safety,” Buss said.

Buss said that is what the project is all about — educating drivers and pedestrians.

When officers have stopped drivers in spots known to have a history of auto-pedestrian crashes, Buss said drivers often report they cannot see the people crossing.

“Unfortunately, we have pedestrians crossing all year round,” Buss said, “pedestrian safety is not just a summertime thing.”

So for the whole year, it’s important to note that drivers are required by law to stop for pedestrians if they are anywhere on the same side of the road. Further, for a school crosswalk, all drivers mus stop until the pedestrian is all the way across the road.

“Ultimately, the children are the main priority, and we want to make sure that they are safe and that’s why there’s added protections for them,” Buss said.

This campaign comes after just last week, a man was hit and killed while in an Ogden crosswalk. Buss said the hope is that through the campaign, lives like his can be saved in the future.