WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and SportsDeadly accident brings pedestrian safety to light

Deadly accident brings pedestrian safety to light

MADISON (WKOW) -- There are reasons for crosswalks and signals, but in downtown Madison, we found several people just don't use them.

Clearly crossing away from the crosswalk and walking when and where they're not suppose to.

"I saw that there weren't cars coming and its habit now," says Holly Feldman.

"I didn't use the crosswalk because it was too far and I was in a hurry," says Casaundra Lucille.

"You tend to think you're invincible and they're just going to stop," says Jorge Ramirez.

But Tuesday's tragic accident proved pedestrians are not invincible.

"This incident last night was unfortunate that someone got hit but this is not unusual for cars and pedestrians to be in conflict in downtown Madison," says Madison Police Captain Richard Bach.

Bach says they see a lot of near misses in downtown Madison especially around bar time and says alcohol doesn't just affect a person's ability to drive- it also affects the ability to walk.

He says the best advice, use the cross walks and obey traffic signals, but if all else, walkers need to be cautious.

"Always be cognizant of where you're going. Don't challenge the car, you'll lose and make sure to make eye contact with those drivers and make sure they see you before you step in front of those vehicles."

Besides jaywalking, people can also be cited for what's called Sudden Pedestrian Movement.

That's when you dart in front of a car without giving the driver enough time to yield.

Even if you were hit, you could get fined more than $75.00.

Madison Police say pedestrian safety is a two way street and drivers need to remember to yield at crosswalks for pedestrians.

The day of the tragic accident police ticketed about 20 drivers for not yielding at a crosswalk on Brooks and Regent.

Fines for that go as high as $145.00.