Senator Ginny Burdick, D-District 18

S-309, State Capitol

Salem, OR 97310

(503) 986-1706

FAX (503) 986-1080

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: March 18, 2003

Contact: Melissa Norton (503) 986-1718

** Radio Stations: Audio clip attached!

Clip A: Start :02 ("This is a bill…); Out: "…and drivers."

Clip B: Start: 02 ("Law enforcement agreed…"); Out: "…to pedestrians."

SENATE PASSES BILL TO IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

SB 315 Reduces Danger By Requiring Drivers To Stop At Crosswalks

SALEM – In an effort to reduce the number of pedestrian injuries and deaths, the Oregon Senate today unanimously approved a bill sponsored by Sen. Ginny Burdick (D-Portland/Tigard) that requires drivers to stop and remain stopped when a pedestrian is in a crosswalk.

Current law requires only that drivers “yield” to pedestrians – a vague requirement that lends itself to many different interpretations.

“Although most cars slow down for pedestrians, many drivers only slow down enough to avoid hitting the person, and too many drivers ignore the pedestrian altogether,” Burdick said.

“SB 315 makes it absolutely clear that any pedestrian in a legal crosswalk – marked or unmarked – has the right to cross safely,” Burdick said. “Drivers must stop and remain stopped until the pedestrian either reaches the other side of the street or is at least one lane away from the car in a multi-lane street.”

Burdick said police officers from Portland and Hillsboro testified that Senate Bill 315 will improve their ability to enforce pedestrian safety laws. The bill also has the strong support of the Willamette Pedestrian Coalition.

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