‘You just don’t stand a chance’: Chippewa County sheriff describes pedestrians’ vulnerability on highways; 2 killed recently in region

Feb. 01--Traffic crashes have claimed the lives of two pedestrians in less than six weeks in the Chippewa Valley, and local law enforcement officials are encouraging those on foot and behind the wheel to use caution.

Whether in rural or municipal areas, everyone on roadways should use caution and pay attention to their surroundings, looking for vehicles, pedestrians and animals and being aware of road conditions, Chippewa County Sheriff Jim Kowalczyk said.

At 5:45 p.m. Friday, his agency responded to a pedestrian-car crash on Highway X just outside the Cadott village limits. The pedestrian, 86-year-old Harry L. Walker, was struck as he was attempting to cross Highway X from J&J's Sports Bar & Grill to get to his vehicle.

"There were a cluster of things that went wrong that night," said Kowalczyk, noting Walker had stopped at the business for a bite to eat before heading to a Cadott sporting event. "Because the parking lot there is small, people (sometimes) park on the south side of X. That particular night was extremely dark, the lighting there isn't the best, and (Walker) was wearing dark clothing."

The motorist, Brennan C. Kaz, was driving east on Highway K, heading home to Clark County, Kowalczyk said. Kaz didn't see Walker until his vehicle struck him. Walker later died.

As of Wednesday morning, four pedestrians have been killed in traffic crashes in Wisconsin in 2018, according to the state Department of Transportation. At the same time last year, two fatalities had been recorded.

As a pedestrian, "you just don't stand a chance out on the highway," Kowalczyk said.

Zize Sabani, 69, of Altoona was walking south across U.S. 12 at the intersection with Nottingham Way when she was struck at 5:02 p.m. Dec. 18 by a vehicle driven east on U.S. 12 by Jason Hirschfield. The Eau Claire man didn't see her.

Altoona police Chief Jesse James said neither alcohol nor distracted driving played a role in the crash. In the Chippewa County crash, there is no indication that either alcohol or cellphone use figured into the fatality. Drivers in both cases have cooperated with law enforcement.

Dress to be seen

James, Kowalczyk and Eau Claire police spokesman Kyle Roder advise pedestrians to dress to be seen by drivers.

Kowalczyk recalled heading into work one morning and seeing a couple walking. He stopped to tell them he didn't see them until he came upon them and advised them to get fluorescent vests.

"Those vests are so noticeable," Kowalczyk said. "It's a small investment people can make that can save their lives."

The night of the fatality in Altoona, James saw a pedestrian cross U.S. 12 using a light.

Officials in Altoona are exploring a safer pedestrian crossing at the U.S. 12-Third Street East intersection, which is controlled by traffic signals, and how to get people there, said Dave Walter, the city's public works director.

Use caution

Even if crossing at an intersection or crosswalk, Roder, whose department has handled several fatal pedestrian-vehicle crashes in recent years, advised pedestrians to use caution, noting motorists aren't always going to see them or stop -- even if the pedestrian has the right of way.

"Whether you're a walker or a driver, there are so many things to get preoccupied by," said Roder, noting cellphones, earbuds and in-vehicle items, like touch screens, can distract people.

"When you're driving a vehicle, drive the vehicle," he said. "When you're walking or running, focus on having all your senses available," so you can see or hear potential danger.

Contact: 715-830-5838, [email protected], @CTOBrien on Twitter

___

(c)2018 the Leader-Telegram (Eau Claire, Wis.)

Visit the Leader-Telegram (Eau Claire, Wis.) at www.leadertelegram.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.