Mayor Gettel Urges Action After Two Auto-Pedestrian Accidents Leave One Dead in Midvale

Midvale Monthly with Mayor Gettel: A Call for Shared Responsibility in Pedestrian Safety

Midvale Mayor Marcus Gettel recently addressed the community regarding a critical issue impacting the safety of residents: pedestrian accidents. In his monthly message, Mayor Gettel highlighted two significant auto-pedestrian incidents that occurred in Midvale over the past month, one tragically resulting in a fatality and another leaving a resident with life-altering injuries.

Mayor Gettel, known for his walks along the Jordan River Trail, the developing canal trail system, and through the historic downtown district, emphasized the personal connection he feels to the city's pathways. "Walking allows me to see our city on an entirely different level. I can greet residents, observe improvements, and appreciate the character that makes Midvale special," he stated. However, these recent incidents have brought a somber tone to his observations, serving as a stark reminder that pedestrian safety is a tangible concern for every Midvale resident.

The Mayor noted that Midvale's challenges are not isolated. Nearby communities, including Salt Lake City, Millcreek, West Valley City, and Sandy, have also experienced fatal and near-fatal pedestrian accidents in recent months. This regional trend underscores the urgent need for roadways to safely accommodate all users: drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.

A fundamental aspect of pedestrian safety, according to Mayor Gettel, is crosswalk safety. He reminded motorists of their legal obligation to slow down, remain vigilant, and yield to pedestrians in designated crosswalks. For pedestrians, he advised crossing at marked locations, obeying safety signals, and making themselves as visible as possible.

Despite legal rights, Mayor Gettel stressed the inherent vulnerability of pedestrians in any collision with a vehicle. "Even when a pedestrian has the right of way and a walk signal, they remain physically vulnerable. In any collision between a person and a vehicle, the pedestrian will always lose," he cautioned. He urged pedestrians to practice situational awareness, looking left, right, and left again, and making eye contact with approaching drivers to ensure they are seen, rather than assuming visibility.

Distraction was identified as a major risk factor for both drivers and pedestrians. Mayor Gettel implored everyone to put down their phones and eliminate other distractions, whether behind the wheel or crossing major streets and intersections. "A few seconds of diverted attention can have irreversible consequences," he warned. He also called on drivers to approach intersections and crosswalks with heightened awareness, actively scanning for pedestrians.

Midvale City is committed to its part, with ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure along key corridors like State Street, evaluate traffic patterns, and implement safety enhancements. However, Mayor Gettel underscored that infrastructure alone cannot fully address the issue. It requires a collective commitment to attentiveness, courtesy, and care from every individual.

Mayor Gettel extended his deepest condolences to the families of the two pedestrians recently struck in Midvale. He concluded his message with a plea for shared responsibility: "Let’s honor them by recognizing that safety on our streets is a shared responsibility. Whether we’re behind the wheel or on foot, each of us must commit to vigilance, patience, and care every time we approach a crosswalk, enter an intersection, or travel through our community."