We, the undersigned residents, drivers, and concerned citizens of Eugene, Oregon, petition the City of Eugene, Eugene Public Works, Eugene Police Department (EPD), and Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to urgently address the dangerous conditions on Highway 99. This high-speed corridor has become a deadly trap for drivers who have the right of way, forced to react to pedestrians and transients illegally crossing mid-block, ignoring signals, or jaywalking in violation of Oregon law (ORS 814.040 and ORS 814.070). These reckless actions put law-abiding motorists at risk of tragic accidents, severe trauma, legal consequences, and lifelong guilt through no fault of their own. Enough is enough—drivers deserve safe, predictable roads, not constant threats from unlawful crossings.

The Problem:

Highway 99 is one of Eugene’s most hazardous roads, especially for pedestrians but devastating for drivers who strike them. City data from the Eugene Fatal Crash Report 2022-2024 shows a record 22 traffic deaths in 2024—the highest ever—with 50 fatal crashes killing 51 people over three years (a 132% increase from 2019-2021). Arterial streets like Highway 99 account for 88% of these fatalities despite comprising only 20% of the network. The roughly 3-mile stretch between Sixth Avenue and the Randy Papé Beltline is a notorious hotspot, with at least five pedestrian fatalities in 2023-2024 alone—nearly a third of the city’s 17 pedestrian deaths in that period. Between 2018-2023, this corridor saw 10 serious crashes or fatalities involving pedestrians and bicyclists. High speeds (often 55 mph+), poor lighting, and lack of barriers compound the issue, but the core danger stems from frequent illegal crossings that leave drivers with little time to react.

Drivers obeying the law—maintaining speed limits, staying alert—are suddenly confronted with people darting into traffic, turning innocent motorists into unwilling participants in preventable tragedies. This must stop: enforcement and infrastructure changes are needed to protect those with the right of way.

Our Demands:

1.  Stronger Enforcement Against Illegal Crossings: Increase EPD patrols and use automated tools (e.g., cameras) to cite jaywalking and unsafe mid-block crossings on Highway 99. Target high-risk zones with focused operations, while partnering with social services to help vulnerable individuals access safer routes without criminalizing poverty.

2.  Immediate Infrastructure Fixes: Install medians, fencing, and barriers to block dangerous mid-block crossings; add more lighted, signalized crosswalks and pedestrian bridges; and lower speed limits where feasible. Accelerate the River Road and Highway 99 Multimodal Safety Project to prioritize these proven safety measures.

3.  Education and Support Programs: Run campaigns reminding pedestrians of Oregon laws and the risks they pose to drivers. Provide outreach, shuttles, or pathways for transients and unhoused people to reduce reliance on unsafe crossings.

4.  Ongoing Accountability: Mandate annual public reports on Highway 99 crashes, enforcement actions, and Vision Zero progress to ensure real change.

Why This Matters:

Drivers should not live in fear of sudden, illegal crossings that can destroy lives—including their own—in an instant. Highway 99 should be safe for everyone, but right now, it’s failing those who follow the rules. By signing, you stand with victims behind the wheel and demand action to prevent more heartbreak.