Posted on 12/14/2005 12:15:25 AM PST by skeptoid
ANCHORAGE - Alcohol was suspected as a factor in half of the 31 fatal collisions over five years between motorists and walkers or bicyclists in Anchorage, according to a new state report. It was usually the walker who had been drinking, according to the report that looked at 1,098 reported cases in which people drove into walkers or bikers during a five-year period ending in 2002.
One-way streets in downtown and Midtown Anchorage were worst for accidents-per-mile. Sixth Avenue downtown led with 23 and Benson Boulevard had 21.
Crossing at a stoplight or stop sign could be dangerous. More than half of the walker-biker accidents with vehicles happened at intersections.
Ron Martindale, regional transportation safety coordinator for the state Department of Administration, wrote the report.
Anchorage's 220 reported collisions with bicyclists or pedestrians annually, which generally result in injuries, was among the average rates in other states, he said.
"The study shows there's a lot of pedestrian error involved," said Anchorage Police Lt. Nancy Reeder, who heads the APD traffic enforcement unit. Click here to return to story: http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/121305/sta_20051213005.shtml
It's kind of refreshing, learning that most of the drivers are apparently OK, it's the pedestrians who are all puzzled up...... in Anchorage, Alaska.
"It was usually the walker who had been drinking, according to the report that looked at 1,098 reported cases in which people drove into walkers or bikers during a five-year period ending in 2002."
Well, midtown and downtown Anchorage has more than its fair share of wandering drunks, frequently people just in from the bush.
It would be interesting to see the demographic breakdown of these accidents.
Also would be interesting to know what time of year and what time of day most of them happened.
Not to say about all the Anchorage drivers who seem to be driving around without a clue as to where they are going or why they are going anywhere.
On the open road, Alaskan drivers are the best. They pull over to let other drivers by. They do not hog the left lane--where there is one. Far better than Texans.
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