Roadway safety is on the minds of officials at the Arizona Department of Transportation following several pedestrian deaths on Oracle Road in Tucson. Last week, a car struck and killed a man south of Rudasill Road. It was the same spot where an auto accident claimed the life of a woman last December.

Nationwide 4,092 pedestrians were fatally injured in 2009 according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data. The number of people walking who were injured in 2009 was estimated at 59,000 by the agency.

Poorly designed roads and the lack of crosswalks can be a contributing factor in car accidents that harm pedestrians. Oracle Road, also known as State Route 77, has no crosswalks for more than a mile in the area that the two pedestrians were hit and killed. The Pima County Department of Transportation and the Arizona Department of Transportation are looking for ways to make the roadway safer for pedestrians.

Tips to avoid accidents

Drivers and pedestrians can avoid many accidents by following these tips:

  • Be seen -- for those walking or running, wear bright or reflective clothing
  • Take care at crossings -- anyone on foot must look both ways before crossing and should cross only within a crosswalk
  • Watch for pedestrians -- drivers need to be on the lookout for pedestrians

Roadway safety is accomplished by incorporating safe road design, which involves studying causes of accidents when they occur in the same place. But safety is also dependent on all who use the roadway to take reasonable precautions and avoid dangerous behavior.

Recovery from an auto accident can take a long time and be a stressful time. An experienced personal injury attorney can provide advice on whether compensation may be available.

Source: KVOA News, "Oracle Road safety to be reviewed after fatal accidents," Feb. 4, 2012