Andrew Zarro, executive director of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine and a former Portland city leader, recently wrote an opinion piece for the Press Herald to shed light on the concerning trend of pedestrian deaths in Maine. Why? Portland recently saw two lives lost in two months while walking in crosswalks meant to protect them. Those two people should have made it home safely but never did. Then, a third tragedy struck in Fairfield. This is a stark reminder that simply walking in Maine can be dangerous, even deadly.
These aren’t just statistics. These are parents, children, friends, and neighbors who have lost their lives in fatal pedestrian accidents. Their stories deserve more than a moment of grief; they demand action. Their deaths weren’t random. They were the result of roads designed for cars, not people. Unfortunately, Maine's transportation system prioritizes speed over safety, and until we change that, more lives will be lost.
What obligation do Maine communities have to prevent pedestrian fatalities?
To address this problem, every town and city in Maine must commit to Vision Zero, a strategy to eliminate all traffic deaths and serious injuries. Vision Zero is based on a simple but urgent belief: traffic deaths are preventable. Mainers don't have to accept pedestrian deaths as an unavoidable part of our road system. Instead of blaming individuals, Vision Zero looks at how road design, policy, and enforcement can prevent tragedies before they happen. Cities around the world have implemented Vision Zero and seen fewer crashes, fewer injuries, and fewer lives lost. Maine shouldn't wait until more people die to take action.
The solution is clear:
- Safer infrastructure: Roads should be designed for people, not just cars.
- Lower speed limits: A small reduction in speed can mean the difference between life and death.
- Better policies: Safety must be built into every decision about our streets.
How can Maine redesign its streets to protect pedestrians?
People make mistakes. But a small misstep shouldn’t cost someone their life. Our roads must be built for human error, not for high-speed traffic. That means:
- Narrower lanes to naturally slow drivers down.
- Brighter, more visible crosswalks so people can cross safely, even at night.
- Dedicated bike lanes and sidewalks, creating space for everyone, not just cars.
But infrastructure alone isn’t enough. Traffic enforcement must focus on reducing speeding and reckless driving. And that enforcement must be fair so it doesn't disproportionately impact marginalized communities. Additionally, Maine’s crash reporting system is currently inconsistent and unreliable. A good start to fixing the problem starts with valuable data.
How is the community pushing for safer streets in Maine?
The Bicycle Coalition of Maine has fought for safer streets, works with local communities to push for better road design, educates the public about safe walking and biking, and advocates for policies that protect vulnerable road users. The recent tragedies have only strengthened their commitment to safer streets in Maine.
The organization seeks to improve crash data collection and transparency to:
- Identify high-risk areas before more lives are lost.
- Measure what’s working and what isn’t.
- Hold decision-makers accountable for making safety a priority.
Change happens when people demand it. Mainers have the power to make Maine’s streets safer by contacting their local leaders and urging them to adopt Vision Zero and invest in safer road design. Additionally, they can report any near-misses or dangerous intersections. Drivers are responsible for driving at a safe and reasonable speed and staying alert, sober, and on the lookout for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Injured in a pedestrian accident? Our Maine attorneys can help you fight back
Walking should never be a life-threatening activity, but for pedestrians in Maine, a careless driver’s mistake can change everything within seconds. Unlike drivers, pedestrians have no seat belts, airbags, or metal frames to protect them. They hope that others will follow the rules of the road. If you or a loved one was hit by a car in Maine and injured, Jabar LaLiberty, LLC is here to help you pick up the pieces.
We know how overwhelming life feels after a serious pedestrian accident. Medical bills pile up, work becomes impossible, and insurance companies often do everything they can to pay as little as possible. They may question the severity of your injuries or even try to blame you for what happened. You don’t have to fight them alone. Our experienced pedestrian accident attorneys will investigate every detail of your case, gather the evidence to prove negligence and push for the full compensation you deserve.
Whether we negotiate a settlement or take your case to court, our goal is to ensure you aren’t left paying the price for someone else’s reckless driving. Our Maine attorneys believe justice should never come with a price tag. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay a cent unless we win your case.
We offer free case evaluations so you can get the legal guidance you need without any upfront costs. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation, or call our Waterville or Portland offices. We’re ready to fight for you!
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