Cars may stop when wavers walk

A new bill moving through the Oregon Legislature would require that drivers stop for curbside pedestrians who signal their intention to cross the street by holding up a hand.

The bill would broaden the scope of traffic violations for drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians. Drivers would now be required to yield to pedestrians on the sidewalk who have a hand and arm raised toward oncoming traffic. Drivers who fail to adhere to the new stopping requirement would face a Class B traffic violation carrying a fine of as much as $360.

Approved by the Oregon Senate last month, Senate Bill 573 amends current Oregon traffic law, which gives the right of way to pedestrians once they have entered a crosswalk. Drivers are cited for a failure to stop if they do not stop and remain stopped for a pedestrian who has left the curb.

The bill would also allow pedestrians to use the hand signal to stop traffic in areas not marked as crosswalks. Proponents of the bill say that this would greatly increase the safety of pedestrians and reduce injuries and fatalities.

SB 573 is the result of a long-term conversation in the Senate about pedestrian safety issues. The process has been slow, according to Sen. Rod Monroe (D-Portland), one of the bill’s sponsors.

“They made changes in pedestrian crossing laws about three sessions in a row,” Monroe said. “I hope they have it right this time.”

Monroe said that the amendment is necessary to reduce the anxiety that often takes place at the curb for both pedestrians and drivers.

“The current law says that cars should stop if a person is stepping off the curb. In some instances that is a dangerous thing for crossers to do, and confusing for drivers,” he said. “Bill 573 is designed to allow people to signal when they want to cross without taking a risk, just by raising a hand.”

Most of the opposition to the bill came from senators’ frustration about the extended period of time spent discussing traffic safety laws, Monroe said.

“This has been one of many issues that involve pedestrian safety, and they are being changed and changed again,” Monroe said. “I can understand how some of my colleagues are tired of dealing with it.”

Reactions to the bill on campus have been varied. Portland State student Brian Wald said he thinks it is a small change that would benefit drivers and pedestrians.

“It’s safer as a pedestrian because I won’t have to step into the road and take my chances,” he said. “As a driver it’s also beneficial because I will actually know if someone wants to cross instead of trying to guess.”

Bryce Hamerick, who also attends PSU, said the bill is “ridiculous and a waste of time.”

“I think that there are more important things our lawmakers could be focusing on right now,” he said.

The Oregon State Transportation Safety Division reports that one-third of all traffic deaths in Portland are pedestrians. Each year about 11 pedestrians in Oregon die and more than 300 are injured after being struck while crossing the street.

SB 573 is currently being reviewed by the state House Judiciary Committee. If passed it will take effect January 2008.