In 2024, Maine didn’t experience a pedestrian fatality until March. But this year, six people have already lost their lives by the end of February. Behind the statistics are real people whose families, friends, and communities must now live with devastating loss. The sudden rise in pedestrian deaths marks Maine’s deadliest start to a year in recent memory. This is worse even than in 2022, when 20 pedestrians died across the state.
"If this trend continues, we’re looking to have another very high year when it comes to traffic fatalities," said Nick Brown, a highway safety coordinator at Maine’s Bureau of Highway Safety.
Three of this year’s pedestrian deaths happened in Portland. The most recent involved a 57-year-old man tragically struck by two cars on Forest Avenue. Only one week earlier, another life was lost when a pedestrian was hit near the city’s shelter.
Why are more pedestrians losing their lives in Maine?
Traffic fatalities across Maine reached a heartbreaking 15-year high in 2022, with 181 people losing their lives, including 20 pedestrians. Preliminary data from the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety shows that fatalities slightly decreased in 2023, with 176 total deaths and 14 pedestrian fatalities. However, even with this slight improvement, pedestrian safety remains a significant concern. For years, pedestrian fatalities have steadily increased in Maine. Between 2010 and 2021, pedestrian deaths across the country jumped by 77%.
Pedestrian fatalities often occur at night and disproportionately happen on roads without sidewalks or adequate lighting. Additionally, distracted or impaired drivers, excessive speeding, and infrastructure designed primarily for vehicles rather than people contribute significantly to these tragic incidents.
Why is Portland especially dangerous right now?
Andrew Zarro, Bicycle Coalition of Maine executive director and former Portland city council member, is calling for urgent action from city leaders. He wants Portland to adopt Vision Zero, an initiative first developed in Sweden in the 1990s. This initiative aims to eliminate traffic deaths completely through safer road designs, improved sidewalks, and better safety measures.
"What’s evident is that what we have right now is not working,” said Zarro. “This is not an unfortunate streak of bad luck."
According to Portland Mayor Mark Dion, the City Council’s Sustainability and Transportation Committee is actively considering Vision Zero. The full council would need to approve the strategy to become an official policy.
Zarro believes Maine needs immediate changes to street design, including speed bumps, pedestrian islands, wider sidewalks, and improved street lighting. He also stressed the importance of stricter enforcement of existing laws against speeding and distracted driving. The Bicycle Coalition of Maine is already partnering with neighborhood groups and local leaders to promote safer roads for everyone.
What can drivers and pedestrians do to stay safe?
Nick Brown from the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety urges drivers to take extra caution behind the wheel, especially at night. He reminds drivers to slow down, stay alert, and avoid distractions like cell phones.
The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety has also launched public awareness campaigns urging caution for drivers and pedestrians alike. The bureau also provides grants to local police departments to increase patrols focused on pedestrian safety. Brown hopes these efforts remind everyone on the road to stay alert and remember their shared responsibility.
What should I do after a pedestrian accident in Maine?
Pedestrian accidents in Maine can happen in the blink of an eye. But the physical pain and emotional trauma from these accidents often extend for weeks, months, or even years. It's even worse when you're suffering from a traumatic brain injury, broken bone, or other serious injury.
In Maine, the civil justice system is designed to ensure that drivers' insurance companies compensate pedestrian victims for their injury-related expenses. However, insurance companies rarely make this process easy and often attempt to shift the blame or downplay injuries to keep costs down.
Injured in a pedestrian accident? Call the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein today
If you or a loved one was hurt in a pedestrian accident, the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein stands ready to fight for you. Our experienced attorneys understand the tactics insurance companies use to avoid paying fair compensation.
We conduct thorough investigations, interview witnesses, examine crash scenes, consult with experts, and gather compelling evidence to prove that your injuries resulted from a driver's negligence. Our legal team knows how to build strong cases that demand full and fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
There is absolutely no fee or obligation for our initial case evaluation. Plus, if we take your case, you don't pay unless we win. With seven offices conveniently located throughout Maine, we're ready to help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact us online or call us to learn how a Maine pedestrian accident lawyer can stand up for you when you need it most.
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