LMPD Launches New Pedestrian Safety Video

Louisville, Ky. – The Louisville Metro Police Department is launching a new campaign to prevent another deadly year for pedestrians. Thanks to a recent grant from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, LMPD’s first result is a new YouTube video video aimed at making both pedestrians and drivers more aware of their surroundings. (See video below).

Pleasure Ridge Park High School students joined Louisville Metro EMS and the PRP Fire Department in producing LMPD's video.
Pleasure Ridge Park High School students joined Louisville Metro EMS and the PRP Fire Department in producing LMPD’s video.

 

In 2014, 429 people were struck by a vehicle and of those, 18 died. Sgt. William Patterson, the video’s host, said that translates to roughly one person getting hit every day of the year.

The video opens with a distracted driver striking a distracted Pleasure Ridge Park High School student on Greenwood Road, and the resulting aftermath of the accident.

2014 LMPD map of pedestrian accidents.
2014 LMPD map of pedestrian accidents.

“When we think of a pedestrian getting struck, we often think to blame the driver. In actuality, the pedestrian can be at fault,” Patterson said.

Of the 18 people who died last year, Patterson said 10 were actually the fault of the pedestrian. LMPD says the federal grant will be used for education as well as enforcement.  LMPD says it’s ultimate goal is less accidents and no fatalities.