OGDEN, UT — The Ogden Police Department has launched a new safety initiative in response to an increase in auto-pedestrian crashes over the past year. The “Crosswalk Safety Project” aims to raise awareness about pedestrian safety and the shared responsibility of both drivers and pedestrians in preventing accidents.
According to the police department, recent data shows a concerning uptick in the number of crashes involving pedestrians. In an effort to combat this, the department hosted a special event last week to highlight the importance of safe crosswalk practices. Lt. Glen Buss, who leads the Community Engagement Bureau at the Ogden Police Department, underscored the role of both pedestrians and drivers in ensuring safe roadways.
“Our pedestrians are wearing bright clothing to make themselves more visible, but unfortunately, even with these precautions, crashes continue to happen,” said Lt. Buss. He emphasized that pedestrian safety is a year-round issue and not limited to the warmer months when walking is more common.
Despite the visibility efforts, many drivers continue to be pulled over for failing to obey crosswalk laws. Officers have focused on areas known for frequent auto-pedestrian collisions, where drivers often claim they could not see pedestrians crossing. Lt. Buss stressed that this perception needs to change, urging drivers to stay alert and aware of their surroundings every time they get behind the wheel.
The “Crosswalk Safety Project” specifically highlights the legal requirements for drivers, including the mandate to stop for pedestrians on their side of the road and the added protections for children at school crosswalks. Buss noted that drivers must remain stopped until the pedestrian has completely crossed.
“The safety of children is a top priority,” Buss said. “There are additional protections in place for them, and we want to make sure they are safe, whether it’s walking to school or crossing anywhere else.”
The campaign comes in the wake of a tragic incident on New Year’s Eve, where a man was struck and killed while crossing the street in Ogden. Lt. Buss expressed hope that the campaign would prevent further tragedies and save lives moving forward.
Through this initiative, the Ogden Police Department is urging both drivers and pedestrians to prioritize safety and remain vigilant at all times.