KIRKWOOD, Mo. — Pedestrian deaths are on the rise in the St. Louis.
Analyzing data from the Missouri Statewide Traffic Accident Records System, Trailnet found the number of pedestrians killed by drivers in St. Louis County reached a new high last year with 28 deaths. In comparison, 21 pedestrian deaths were reported in 2022.
One city in St. Louis County is working to combat the ongoing issue of pedestrian safety.
In March 2022, the City of Kirkwood adopted the Vision Zero Action Plan. The plan, according to its website, affirms the city's goal for safe transportation on all roadways for cars, pedestrians, bikers and others. It uses data to understand where crashes are happening and why to influence changes to prevent crashes in the future.
This year, the city will put $8 million into construction projects in high-traffic areas. The projects, all aimed at increasing pedestrian safety, include lane narrowing and adding sidewalks, speed bumps and curb cutouts.
The East-West Gateway Council will fund a dozen construction projects. About 80% of the upcoming projects will be federally funded, and 20% will be matched by Kirkwood.
"The Longview (Boulevard) project is a prime example of our Vision Zero Action Plan implementation," Kirkwood Public Services Director Chris Krueger said. "It includes bump outs to slow down cars. It includes nearly half a mile of sidewalk that's been installed. Before, pedestrians would actually have to walk in the street. So it's a very unsafe situation. We added that sidewalk to increase pedestrian safety and slow down the cars on that project."
Krueger told 5 On Your Side he hopes the trend catches on.
"I hope other communities will see what Kirkwood is doing to slow down cars, increase pedestrian safety and use us as a catalyst so that we can increase safety throughout the whole St. Louis area," he said.
To track the progress of Kirkwood's Vision Zero Action plan, click here.
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