The Oregonian
Beaverton pedestrian dies in predawn accident
BEAVERTON — A 58-year-old Beaverton woman was killed early Wednesday when she was struck by three cars as she tried to cross Northwest Walker Road at 180th Avenue.
Police investigators think Peilian Wu was crossing Walker Road to make her way to a bus stop about 150 feet from the intersection to head to work in Portland, said Officer Paul Wandell, Beaverton police spokesman.
The accident happened at 7:06 a.m., which was about 11 minutes before dawn Wednesday, Wandell said. Sunrise in Portland on Wednesday was at 7: 50 a.m.
Here is where I am going to give kudo's to the Oregonian.
Normally when you hear about these types of stories, normally only all that you hear is that a pedestrian was ran over by these big bad cars and no details of what happened.
For once, it is reported who was really at fault.
1. it was 7:06 am, 11 minutes before dawn (eg dark out side)
2. It was raining (which made it even darker and hard to see)
3. She was in an undesignated (unmarked) crosswalk
4. The speed limit was 45 MPH
I am sorry that this person died, however this is another great example that BOTH motorist and pedestrians must use common sense when it comes to traffic issues.
Too many times pedestrians and bicyclists just stepped out into traffic without looking and then complain that it is a driver's fault for their stupidity.
6 comments:
There's not a sidewalk in this area. Why do you think this woman was out walking at this time in the morning? I would guess she had to get to work, had to take mass transit and had no other choice of where to walk. I'd say it's a tragedy. What's the point of your post?
i have to agree with anonymous - what's the point of the post. are you glad someone died?
yes, there are stupid pedestrians and byciclists out there, but you post implies that they deserve to die due to their actions.
the fact that she got hit at all was very tragic, and even more so because she died.
If my article came across as I was belittling her death, then I apologize for that was not intent or the point that I was trying to make.
The point that I was trying to make and apparently I was not very clear about... is normally when a newspaper or the news media reports about an accident involving a pedestrian or bicyclist versus a car, they normally exclude the pertinent details of how the accident happened and so by default the driver is always to blame according to the article.
In this particular case, it was dark, it was raining, cars could not see her and therefore it was not safe for her to across the road when she did and unfortunately somebody hit her.
I agree this is very tragic and unfortunately I see this happening a lot.
Bicycles and pedestrians, not looking before entering intersection and then screaming bloody murder when there is an accident.
So I was giving kudos for the article including more details than normal and also pointing out to people that you have to take responsibility as both a pedestrian and the driver.
Again, I apologize that my point apparently was not made clear and giving the wrong message.
Robin I agree with your comments and understand you fully.
Anonymous I will disagree with you except for the fact that loss of life is a tragedy.It affects the lives of many other people also.
Think about what you said,"had no other choice of where to walk".
Well I think another choice would be not on the road.
Pedestrians and bicyclists both should make efforts to be aware of their surroundings when on or near roadways and use caution.
If you are talking on a cell phone or have headphones on or just not paying attention ...
Its like when you drive a car,if you drive too fast or pass on a hill or a blind curve.
You might get away with it once or twice , maybe even more times than that.And again maybe the first time you do it might be your last.
We all must live with the choices we make every day of our lives.
Make your life choices wisely.
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