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Pedestrian deaths prompt public safety ad effort
A pedestrian crosses at the Baum Street signal. (Rob Morris)
The deaths hit especially hard because one of the victims was an employee.
In public service spots airing on local radio stations, the owner of Kitty Hawk Kites is urging caution and awareness on the beach’s treacherous roads.
The campaign was already under way when another death, this time of an international worker riding a bicycle on the Beach Road Aug. 7, raised even more concern about the dangers on Outer Banks roadways.
One of Harris’ employees, John Wiley Carlton Jr., was killed July 17 in the Avalon section of Kill Devil Hills as he tried to cross Croatan Highway on foot.
A week later, Lee Stone Crumpler died near Milepost 4 in Kitty Hawk in a similar accident, and on July 26 a 28-year-old woman was killed walking on U.S. 158 in Powells Point.
Nags Head’s multi-use path starts at 8th Street and runs to the Y. There are still several miles to go.
Harris has embarked on a multi-platform effort that includes Max Radio of the Carolina’s stations Beach 104, 94.5 WCMS, 99.1 The Sound, Classic Hits 104.9 & 92.3, and ESPN Radio 97.1.
“Our initial thought was if we can help make people more aware, then maybe they will be more cautious, and maybe we can save some lives and (prevent) injuries,” he said.
In the public service announcements, Harris notes recent statistics that 17 pedestrians and 26 bicyclists are injured each year, with an average of three people on foot being killed, while two people on bikes have died in the past five years on the Outer Banks.
John Harris.
Harris also reminds drivers that under state law, pedestrians in marked crosswalks have the right-of-way.
Harris noted the death of Carlton really hit home with employees at Kitty Hawk Kites.
“It really tore up the team that worked with Willey…it was one of those accidents that could have been easily avoided…that’s what eats at you,” Harris said.
Harris is hoping the recent tragedies can bring about a change in how people walk and bike on the Outer Banks.
“Hopefully this will spark more thinking about how a program can be created for education,” Harris said.
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Mrs. Bernard says:
Maybe some bike-walking paths should be built going all the way down… Like going down Collington Rd. The beautiful bike-walking path there would be a perfect solution to this problem. People need a safe place to bike-walk. It will never be safe on the side of the highway or the beach road. They should have the same bike-walk path along the beach road as well. And no matter what people will continue using bikes and walking. Yeah it cost money but it should be worth human safety… This is a tourist area and people enjoy being able to ride bikes or walk and take in the beautiful salt air, so why not give them a safe place to do so… Not always drive in a car… If something like that could be done them the police could then enforce not using the highway unless you are in a car to protect human life….
OBX LoCo-Al says:
It is shame to see all of these terrible accidents, have to believe it is the #1 way to die on the OBX these days. It is hard to see a reasonable way to improve this situation as well, it is such a long stretch of horizontal roadway that have business not clustered but staggered throughout the roadway. If you had clusters you could create pathways or designated crossing areas, with the staggered patterns people are always going to be looking to cross at multiple locations…sadly, it may mean there has to be more crosswalks with lights to make this stop…as much as I don’t like to admit it…
Bubba says:
What about ticketing jaywalkers? Is that done anymore or was that just on the Andy Griffith show.
I’m glad Mr. Harris is doing this public service. I also wonder why someone can’t simply look at the traffic on the road and say to themselves, “crossing here isn’t safe.”
The pedestrian/bike path runs through Nags Head and KDH and I often wonder why the folks walking/bikeriding on the bypass don’t simply go a block or two over and ride on the path?
Hidin' Sikh says:
Motorists need to look out. You are sharing the road.
Cyclists need to use lights and reflective material and still behave as if they are invisible to motorists. They are. That level of paranoia, believing that every motor vehicle is out to kill you, might keep you alive. Ride right, be lit up and obey the rules of the road if you want to be out there sharing the road. Even that won’t save you from a drunk in a three-ton SUV smashing into you. Do your best.
Anthony says:
honestly some public transport that doesnt cost an arm and a leg would do wonders or maybe having a sidewalk thats not broken into 9 million sections or cut off every 20ft like it is now. i get around and to work by bicycle and on foot from mp 2.5 to mp6 every day its rediculous theres no public transpo at all down here it would probably eliminate a good portion of people getting hit all the time or maybe just give us a real lane and not just a slightly widend shoulder to use
Cathy talley says:
I agree and have said the same. This may cost the county some money, but what price do you put on saving lives?
junkman says:
Nags Head has a decent walk/bike path on the beach road, but all the other towns have is a white line. Invest some money in safety and at least duplicate the NH model. I also never understood why there are no sidewalks along the bypass.
Running ads is a farce. If this guy is serious he should get organized and push the towns to do something and donate the money to get things started.
Mrs. Bernard says:
That’s a good idea.. Public transport or something for these people to walk-ride on that is not on the road. Reflectors and lights on a bike aren’t going to cut it. Sometimes there is so much traffic you can’t see someone till it is too late. I have had a scare like that and I did not like it… I didnt see the person until the very last min. Because I had a truck a few cars ahead of me… It is crazy they don’t have more sidewalks especially with this being such a touristy area.. At a beach people like being out and about on bikes and walking…
Kevin Gray Conner says:
U.S. Hwy 158 in Dare County has got to be one of the most dangerous highways in the United States. I’m not quiet sure why people ignore this fact and place their lives in such danger. I don’t know if this problem can ever be remedied, because there will always be those that will try to beat the odds, but considering the alternative, its certainly worth trying.
Mrs. Bernard says:
The bike path at the back of the neighborhood that goes all the way to Nags Head from KDH is nice. But not many people even realize it is there. Especially exchange students not from here. Also it is kind of out of the way from the action. If you know what I mean. Like riding your bike to and from work… Just makes more sense to have more sidewalks or bike paths at the front also and along beach road like in Nags Head. That looks so pretty down there. Why is that not in KDH.. Come on guys lets stop being greedy with money and throw some money at this and fix this problem…
David says:
Radio ads are waste and cross walks. They need to put the overpasses do in cities. They are ugly but you never interfere with traffic
Mrs. Bernard says:
Cross walks if followed are very effective… I don’t think we need to make the place look ugly by doing overpasses. The real problem is jay walking across the roads. Stopping in the middle of the highway before finishing across.. very dangerous and lastly no safe place to ride bike or walk. You have to ride walk right and I mean right next to cars traveling at high speeds.. Makes no sense… PUT A SIDEWALK OR BIKE PATH along the side of the highway and then Police ticket jay walkers and give tickets to anyone not riding on designated paths-sidewalk… Easy solution but everyone makes it seem so complicated….Or too greedy to throw money at it…
Mrs. Bernard says:
Some people are less fortunate and might not have a vehicle.. Maybe a transport system out here like Trollies would be another solution…
beachedbum says:
Motorist need to be aware that at any moment someone on a bike will for no apparent reason turn left from the bike path and into oncoming traffic that is traveling at 45mph. It happens at least once a week while driving from Kitty Hawk to Corolla.
In short ride responsibly and be aware of your environment
cjs says:
Like I said previously, if people walking or riding bikes would just use the crosswalks provided with push buttons and designated crossing signals, many of these tragedies could be avoided, not all buy many. Also, if bikes would stay off of the road where cars travel and use the bike lanes in Nags Head, the Woods Road, etc., they would most likely not get hit… Impaired drivers striking walkers and riders is a separate issue and should be dealt with accordingly. No need for overpasses, people should use what is already available to them or risk getting ticketed, it is for the own safety.
OBX Local says:
It should be illegal to ride a bike on the big road. This not only congests traffic, but it is extremely dangerous. I see this all the time during the day and even worse, at night. I feel like anyone on a bike should have to walk their bikes across the bypass at a cross walk and then travel on the beach road – preferably on a sidewalk/bike lane to limit the danger.
Erik says:
Ok, so I’m being lazy and pulling in the first thing that came up. This is the FL DOT cost estimator for December 2011. http://www.dot.state.fl.us/planning/policy/costs/costs-D3.pdf
A multi-use sidewalk like Nags Head’s is $400k per mile. A pedestrian overpass was quoted out at $500k in a comment to an earlier story.
The towns do not have a ton of money. Nags Head actively seeks grants to help it pay for their multi-use paths. I’m not sure what funds the town puts towards it, but I’ve never heard of a grant that does better than a dollar for dollar match.
It’s expensive and it isn’t something that the local towns are going to just jump right up to do. Anyone who really wants to see these sorts of projects need to look at joining the parks and rec advisory boards for your town, contacting your mayor/commisioners, Stan White, and Tim Spear.
And understand from the beginning that we would probably need to look at a bond vote. Those always go over so well.
Erik says:
Oh, and yes. Make it a point to go the commissioner’s board meeting and the relevant advisory board meetings. They do take you more seriously when you are involved.
Multi use path says:
Multi use path on both sides of bypass, ticket jay walkers and cyclist who disobey laws, is the way to safety my friends
Mr Nice Guy says:
It is criminal that Colington Road has no bike lanes or sidewalks.
ekim says:
All the ads walk overs & sidewalks are not going to stop this! Public Transportation get REAL I can barely pay my *#!# taxes NOW!
chaser says:
Public Tranportation is the answer….the reply is take a cab, its only $30+ with tip one way from Kitty Hawk to Nags Head, what a joke. DUI-DWI is big business for Dare County.
KDH Resident says:
I just want to give a big THANK YOU to John Harris for taking the initiative to make the safety radio announcement together – as far as I’m concerned this is something the county should have done long ago and I also question why the words “No Merge” or something to that effect hasn’t been painted on the road every mile or two? I see this in other places why not here?
KDH Resident says:
or “Turn lane only” ??
Used to be local says:
Public transportation – small buses with full schedules, and reasonable taxi service with competitive rates – is also due for a revisit. Not only tourists ride bikes; many locals ride to work, not for pleasure or exercise, but out of economic necessity. The OBX is expensive. Taxis charge exorbitant rates because they can, and there is only one car rental available, also a monopoly. Like it or not, the beach has become a urbanized long city; the distances are long, and not everyone is economically well off.
Cathi says:
I agree. Thanks John for caring so much about our local residents and visitors.
liveoak says:
There are two big issues here. First, this needs to be a community effort. If we want to facilitate multi-modal transportation–not to mention providing a pleasant experience for the visitors and improved quality of life for those of us who are here year-round–everyone has to learn and create a culture that is aware of the different forms of transportation and believes in sharing the road. Second, after driving a motorcycle for more than 30 years, I quit after moving here. 158 is the worst designed road I have ever seen–long straight confusing viewshed with no visual controls, too many drive connections, no turn lane breaks–it’s nuts when you add in the fact that MOST of the folks driving it don’t know where they are going. We can fix that road without expensive overhead walkovers or more crosswalks or lights but it will require that the merchants on that road be willing to give up having drive access for every parking lot and give up some real estate for sidewalks and feeder roads. The plans have been written and these recommendations already exist.
Mrs. Bernard says:
Then there should be some type of bus transit here for people without vehicles… There is a solution…One would think we would be more green here and promote riding bikes and walking by doing more bike – walk paths.. But since that seems so expensive.. LOL do a bus transit or Trolly transit for these people…
Joan says:
I like what Bubba said, and am proud of Mr. Harris doing what the government has not. This is not a new problem, and the article is wrong. In NC, Pedestrians have the right of way ALWAYS over vehicles, not just in designated crosswalks. We have empowered our pedestirans and they are taking advantage. Bicyclists, professional or beach cruzer rarely follow the traffic laws they are ruled by. This may not be the cause of the recent deaths/injuries, but poor habits and cavalier walking/biking are now their habit. Those not in motorized vehicles need to be cracked down on for jaywalking and moving violations for bikes going the wrong way, illegal turns, etc.
Jennifer says:
As drivers we do have a responsibility to politely share the road. However, I can’t tell you how many times I have been on my way home from work and almost hit someone either 1) dressed in dark clothes at night 2) no reflective gear 3) no lights — nothing!! It is their responsibility as well to be responsible and dress appropriately.
NH Resident says:
As far as people who willfully run across the Bypass–day or night, Kitty Hawk through Nags Head–people forget a decade ago it was Slammin’ Sammy trying to save bar patrons from running across the Bypass from his place back and forth to Kelly’s, on an unlit section of Bypass, late at night. One time an AMBULANCE hit a pedestrian. It was a big deal. And not much has changed since then.
Yes, the “powers that be” knew about the issue then and still nothing has been really done, other than a couple of multi-use paths.
People always think they can make it. No amount of public service announcements or paved pathways or pedestrian crosswalks can change that.
Nothing will stop someone from exercising his/her own free will and commenter Joan above is right–”cavalier walking/biking” attitudes are at least part of the problem.
The Avalon area is where I see the most people running out into the middle lane then standing there waiting to get across the rest of the way. STUPID.
KHer says:
At noon today I watched a fast-food employee cross against a light at French Fry Alley and stand in the turn lane waiting for a chance to cross to get to his job.
He was at a light and could have safely crossed when it turned green, but chose to risk his life. I just shook my head. Standing in the turn lane at a busy intersection…
I wonder if those who do such things are that ignorant of the danger.
Salvo Jimmy says:
Here’s your chance to make input
[quote]
The Associated Press
© August 3, 2012
RALEIGH, N.C.
State transportation officials have an eye on North Carolina’s feet.
The state Department of Transportation is in the process of developing a new statewide pedestrian and bicycle plan and is seeking the public’s help to craft a vision for the future of walking and biking in North Carolina.
The plan will be developed in collaboration with state agencies and regional, private and industry stakeholders. It will examine how to create a safer pedestrian and bicycle network that also benefits the state’s economy, public health and environment.
A statement from NCDOT says when the plan is completed, it will be among the most comprehensive of its kind in the nation.
[unquote]
Jess in kc says:
Public safety announcements are what we need. People need to be aware of thier surroundings, use personal safety (helmets), and mind the rules of the road. Thank you John
bchgrl says:
Thank you John Harris!
Nags Head mom says:
Yesterday I saw two groups of people almost get hit on the beach road. One had the right-of-way at the pedestrian walk; one car stopped but the other sped on through going way above 35 mph. Later, I stopped at a ped. walk to let two kids on bikes cross. The truck behind me pulled around me ONTO the bike/walk path (NH) and almost hit these kids. I want to see more police enforcement of the crosswalks.
So many issues here, so I just touched on these two.
The Pessimist says:
Crosswalks should only be placed at intersections where they are light enforced! I believe the way they are being used tends to give a relaxed attitude when people are crossing all along the highway. Hell, why not make the whole damn road a crosswalk and remove all vehicles entirely. This is such mindless thinking. This feeling of crossing the road everywhere because I have the right-of-way is starting to carry over to the bypass as well. How many people have you seen standing in the center turning lane lately? I can only imagine that the number of rear-end crashes have gone up since the crosswalks where introduced. I say reduce the number of crosswalks as there too many.
Truck vs Human Body says:
ie. I was just driving back to work from lunch in a torrential down pour. I had my wipers on the highest speed barely still able to see. Last minute I had to swerve around a dad and his 2 sons who were in the middle of the beach road. Appears the dad was upset I almost hit him. Even with a bus system, over pass walkway, signs, etc… you cannot fix stupid! People, try and stay out of the roads, especially when it’s pouring down rain!
Andy says:
Driving an ambulance and hitting a pedestrian/biker. What a nightmare for the person hit and for the dedicated public servant that never ever wanted to be part of that.
The fact is you can’t see unlighted pedestrians and bike riders at night on HWY 158 in time to avoid them.
Build a bike path and improve the cross walks.
And Food Lion and other employers that hire people from other countries need do more to keep their people safe.
Larry says:
No one has mentioned that many on bikes ride against traffic, a violation of NC law. When pulling up to a stop sign to enter the beach road you do not expect a bicycle to be on your right and on the shoulder. There are several intersections that you can not see them until they almost run into the side of your vehicle. Maybe the large employers should instruct their foreign students on the proper way to ride a bike in the USA.