After 3 pedestrian deaths, police urge people to follow traffic laws

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Police are reminding drivers and pedestrians to adhere to traffic laws after three people walking in Marion County were hit and killed cars over the last three days. 

The three crashes are under investigation. People were hit while crossing the street on both Tuesday and Wednesday. IMPD called the death of 57-year-old Michael King on Thursday night’s death a terrible tragedy: King was walking on a sidewalk when two cars collided in the street, one spinning off and slamming into him.     

This week, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released new data about traffic deaths.  Pedestrian deaths were down nearly 2 percent from 2016 to 2017 nationwide. 

Police said drivers should avoid distractions, and at night, be careful to look out for people walking.

IMPD reminded pedestrians to cross at appropriate pedestrian crossings. If there’s no sidewalk, pedestrians should walk against the direction of traffic. At night, wear bright clothes. 

“We all have to do our part in this and make sure we’re following those traffic laws and following those pedestrian walkways and make sure we’re crossing at the right places,” said IMPD Sgt. Jim Gillespie.    ​​

IMPD said these dangers become amplified at night. Gillespie said an ongoing city initiative could help reduce some danger. Operation Night Light, a $12 million program, is working to add 4,000 new streetlights and convert existing streetlights to LED, which are brighter. That project is expected to be completed in 2021.   

“That’s going to help drivers identify that someone is in the roadway and then be able to slow down or make sure that they’re allowing enough roadway for that pedestrian traffic,” said Gillespie.    

But for the most part, police say safety on the roads is up to everyone following the rules.