📣 Petition Summary

Too many drivers are blowing through crosswalks—and pedestrian deaths in Ohio have nearly doubled in just 10 years. Data shows drivers are at fault.

We urge the Ohio State Legislature to pass and enforce a law requiring drivers to come to a full stop—not just vaguely yield—when pedestrians are waiting to enter or already in a non-signaled crosswalk.

Currently, Ohio law (ORC 4511.46) only requires drivers to “yield the right‑of‑way, slowing down or stopping if need be”—a dangerously vague directive. This creates confusion, fosters disregard, and fails to protect lives.

We also call for Ohio to adopt a Vision Zero strategy, in partnership with Smart Growth America and the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Safe Transportation for Every Pedestrian (STEP) program, to eliminate pedestrian deaths and create safer, more respectful streets for everyone.

🚶‍♂️ Who is impacted?

Every Ohioan who walks, uses a wheelchair, or crosses a street is at risk under our current law.

As a retired U.S. Air Force service member who has lived overseas for half my adult life, I’m alarmed at how dangerous it has become to walk in my own country—especially compared to places like Spain, where pedestrians are respected and protected by a culture of full stops and legal clarity.

In 2023, I walked 477 miles across northern Spain along the historic Camino de Santiago—a journey that showed me just how gracefully cars, bikes, and people can coexist when infrastructure and culture support safe walking.

Returning to Ohio after that experience was jarring. I’ve been nearly hit by a driver who sped up as I stepped toward a crosswalk—just to avoid stopping. I’ve heard countless others share similar experiences. I fear for my life. I fear for my family.

Blowing through a pedestrian crossing while someone is actively trying to cross should be an egregious violation of our laws. Sadly, Ohio’s current statute—and its weak enforcement—fails to deter it.

According to the Ohio Department of Transportation, Ohio pedestrian deaths have nearly doubled, rising from 88 in 2013 to 176 in 2023. Hostility and indifference—not courtesy—now define too many of our roads. It makes life in Ohio more unpleasant, and it’s costing lives.

⚠️ What is at stake?

If we do nothing, more Ohioans will be injured or killed needlessly. But it’s not just about safety. Daily life is becoming more stressful, hostile, and dehumanizing as we accept streets ruled by aggression and inattentiveness instead of responsibility and respect.

When people can’t cross a marked pedestrian crossing without fear, it erodes trust in public space.

Enforcing full stops—not just vague yielding—will save lives and help rebuild a public culture rooted in mindfulness, dignity, and mutual regard. These small but essential acts of courtesy, when baked into law and practice, ripple outward into all aspects of our lives—kinder neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces.

⏰ Why now?

Cities like Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Toledo have already adopted Vision Zero policies, and Ohio Department of Transportation is investing in pedestrian safety. But the state still lacks a unified program—leaving local cities with insufficient legal backing from the state’s traffic laws. Worse, pedestrians are still dying as a result.

We don’t have to guess what works. Other states and countries are already doing this—and saving lives:

✅ Florida, drivers are required to stop and remain stopped for pedestrians at marked crosswalks, with strong enforcement through programs like Operation Best Foot Forward, which improved compliance by over 60% in some cities.

✅ Minnesota, New Jersey, and New York, drivers are legally required to fully stop, not just yield, at pedestrian crossings—making the rules clear and protective.

✅ Spain, pedestrian right-of-way is deeply respected and enforced. Drivers stop—because the law is clear, and public behavior follows.

✅ Ohio can do the same. In fact, we must.

Ohio’s current law is inadequate, and worse—unenforced. We need a clear, enforceable “stop for pedestrians” law, backed by strong, visible enforcement and education.

🎥 Want to see how other cities and countries are reclaiming streets for safety and dignity?

📺 Watch The Street Project, a powerful documentary highlighting this global movement:  https://youtu.be/QjseFSvqwBY

📣 Our Ask

We call on the Ohio State Legislature, Governor, and ODOT to:

🔴 Pass a law requiring drivers to come to a complete stop for pedestrians waiting to enter or already inside all non-signaled crosswalks—whether the crosswalk is clearly painted or simply implied by sidewalk corners incorporated into a road intersection.

🚧 Enforce this law consistently, with appropriate warnings, penalties, and a coordinated statewide public education campaign.

🚶‍♂️ Adopt a statewide Vision Zero strategy, in partnership with Smart Growth America and FHWA STEP to guide street design, enforcement, and transportation policy aimed at ending pedestrian fatalities.

🧭 Let’s lead Ohio toward a future where walking is safe again.

Let’s replace indifference with respect—and hostility with humanity.

✍️ Sign and share if you believe no one should have to risk their life just to cross the street.

🚨 We’re gaining momentum—please share this widely to help save lives!

Thank you for standing up for safer, more humane streets in Ohio.

📚 References:
ORC 4511.46: https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4511.46

ODOT/ATSSA Safety Report: ATSSA March 2025 Update:  https://www.atssa.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/M.-May-ODOT-ATSSA-March-2025-Update.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Vision Zero Network:  https://visionzeronetwork.org

Smart Growth America – Complete Streets:  https://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/programs-and-coalitions/national-complete-streets-coalition/

FHWA Safe Transportation for Every Pedestrian (STEP) program
https://highways.dot.gov/safety/pedestrian-bicyclist/step/step-videos

cittaslow:
https://www.cittaslow.org/