I have tried and previously failed in not victim- blaming the pedestrians who have been hit or killed in Anchorage. But now I see that’s the wrong mindset. We need to focus on traffic safety, but also the social safety net that is failing people.
We need to help pedestrians who are mentally ill, mentally depressed, or struggling with substance misuse.
I ride the commuter bus into the Anchorage Bowl often and will ride the bus to obligations around town when I haven’t driven in.
It is cumbersome as a pedestrian in Anchorage.
But since I moved here in 2019, I believe I have seen pedestrians who have fallen through our social safety net and need help. I saw a person in the middle of the street yelling at everyone.
I hope that he can help him with treatment for possible mental illness.
I saw a person stumble down the sidewalk and fall into the street and not get up. I stopped and another motorist pulled the intoxicated guy out of the street onto the sidewalk. I hope he can get help with his substance misuse.
I always drive with my lights on, but despite that, I’ve almost hit a pedestrian who looked right at me as she stepped in front of me.
Others did not look at all before walking about in front of cars. They looked like they had given up on life and I hope they can get help, love and hope from someone in the community. I know suicide by vehicle happens, and I hope this can be addressed by the safety net and get these people help. Pedestrian injury reduction is a big-idea solution that I hope we can come together on.
— Jason A. Thomas
Eagle River
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