The Columbus Dispatch Saturday February 4, 2012 10:03 AM
Into the Crossfire
Pedestrians outside crosswalks and in dark areas or wearing dark clothing put themselves in deadly peril
Last year was the deadliest in recent memory for Franklin County pedestrians. Twenty-three were killed on roadways in the county, according to the State Highway Patrol. The previous high was in 2008 when 22 people were killed.Last year was the deadliest in recent memory for Franklin County pedestrians. Twenty-three were killed on roadways in the county, according to the State Highway Patrol. The previous high was in 2008 when 22 people were killed.The number of pedestrian deaths fluctuated between 10 and 14 in the other years since 2006.
Safety officials say there is no single reason for the deaths, but they share common characteristics.
The Franklin County fatality-review board so far has investigated 13 of the traffic-related pedestrian deaths last year. They found that 10 occurred in darkness, 11 people were not in a crosswalk, and nine of them were wearing dark clothing. In 11 of the cases, the pedestrian was determined to be at fault.




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