The carnage on our roads is a public health epidemic. While nationwide traffic fatality rates have begun to decline slightly as we recover from the pandemic, the data shows Oregon’s transportation deaths are rising, particularly for people on motorcycles, on bicycles, and walking. In Oregon in 2022, there were 606 transportation-related deaths – up from the previous year and up an astounding 73% over the past decade.

In Oregon’s most populated county, Multnomah, fatal crashes have tripled in the past two years. Multnomah County Health Department’s recent report declared it a “significant public health threat.” Pedestrian-related deaths are largely driving the increases, with a notable 24% of those killed in traffic experiencing homelessness at the time of their death.

Speed is a factor in a significant number of crashes, as well. As vehicle speed increases, the likelihood that a vehicle will kill someone in a crash increases exponentially. According to Multnomah County, motorists speeding was a factor in 42% of fatal crashes across the two years they measured. 

BIPOC and low-income people, including people who lack housing, are statistically overrepresented victims of traffic violence. Black and Native American pedestrians are disproportionately killed in the US, yet relatively little is known about how fatal crash patterns differ between races. Between 2012–2017, data reveals notable differences between races… including that Black and Native American pedestrians were significantly more likely to have been killed in darkness, Black and Hispanic pedestrians under age 16 were significantly more likely to have been killed, and Asian pedestrians age 65 or older were significantly more likely to have been killed. Importantly, the data suggest critical connections between roadway design and population patterns that are risk factors for all pedestrians, but which disproportionately affect certain races. 

Given this background information; and given my commitment to healthy connected communities, climate justice, and social equity; as an elected leader and transportation decision maker, I commit to:

• Reverse racial inequalities and barriers to safe streets, focusing on marginalized communities that have been disporportionately affected by transportation decisions. 
• Understand and educate the public about the significance of road fatalities, treating each loss of life with the same concern and outrage as any other type of death in our community.
• Use precise language that attributes agency and employs the active voice when discussing fatal crashes, emphasizing accountability.
• Prioritize the safety of all road users over vehicular speed and throughput, reflected in budget allocations, policy decisions, budgets, and spending.
• Champion measures such as lowering speed limits, enhancing street design and infrastructure (e.g., crosswalks), and limiting parking near intersections, especially in areas with vulnerable users like school zones.
• Reduce vehicle size - I recognize the correlation between larger vehicle size and road safety issues, and will promote safer, cleaner, and more sustainable transportation options while discouraging heavier, deadlier vehicles.
• Advocate for equitable traffic laws and enforcement, supporting comprehensive Automated Traffic Enforcement (ATE) initiatives with progressively assessed fines, and dedicating revenues to enhance safety and accessibility in our transportation system.