BANGOR, Maine — Already this year, six pedestrians have been struck by cars in Bangor.
Bangor Police Lieutenant Jason Stuart said drivers are often being caught off guard by walkers who are crossing illegally.
"What we’re seeing right now is all of them were at night, nearly all the pedestrians that were hit were wearing dark clothing — and nearly all the — actually, none of them were in the crosswalk," Stuart said.
In January 2022, there were no pedestrian accidents in Bangor, and in January 2023, there were only two. After reviewing the incidents, Stuart said it's unusual to see so many pedestrians involved in crashes this early in the year.
"These are well lit most of the time locations where people are wearing [dark] clothing and it's not a place where motorists would typically expect to see a pedestrian," Stuart said.
According to Stuart, some of the accidents occurred in parking lots. He said the Bangor Police Department is still experiencing staffing shortages, making bringing back their traffic task force out of the question.
"There was a time when we had a team that could just respond to those hotspot areas, whether it's speeding on Essex St, crosswalk violations on State St — wherever those issues were," Stuart said. "We were able to put a couple of officers on those locations, get people to slow down, and get people to pay attention."
Stuart said the department is rotating staff to complete traffic patrol in some hot spot areas when they can, hoping to prevent these kinds of crashes.
Efforts are constantly underway to make roads safer for pedestrians. Bangor city engineer John Theriault said crossing signals at the intersection of Hammond and Fourteenth St. have been installed, with more in the works.
He said no matter how many safety improvements engineers make to crosswalks, walkers still have to do their part.
"We can do all the engineering and design possible, but there's still a human element to all of this," Theriault said. "There's no way for us to take away that human element."
Residents like Hayley Beem said she takes her dog walking at the intersection of Harlow and Franklin St. near the Bangor Public Library multiple times a day.
"Most of the time I feel safe — probably because I pay more attention," Beem said.
Even with her head on swivel, Beem said she still has to look out.
"You know the things that concern me sometimes, like with this intersection, is that sometimes people don't see me and they pull right in," Beem said.
The cars that park on the street can easily crowd a driver's view Beem said. She often worries whether drivers can see her coming, and said she knows some drivers are just in a rush.
Despite new flashing crossing lights and pedestrian walking signals in some areas of Bangor, Beem said intersections like Harlow and Franklin St. are still lacking.
"This is one of the ones that don't have like the pedestrian crossing light on it, and I wonder if that's something — having that light signal for people that are driving to pay attention more," Beem added.
Community members can make suggestions by filing out service requests online on the city of Bangor's website. Theriault said the city and engineers always consider what community members are experiencing, and he said there have been several times when he has personally visited locations where accidents have occurred to see if the area is well-lit and generally safe.
Theriault said although motorists have to keep their eyes open for walkers and refrain from distracted driving, pedestrians have a role to play in making sure they are safe.
"People need to be responsible for their own safety too," Theriault added.