In a tragic year for traffic fatalities in Portland, the unhoused population bears the brunt of the consequences. With 57 traffic-related deaths so far this year, the numbers are on track to match or surpass last year's record of 63. Among the victims, nine were unhoused pedestrians, shedding light on the urgent need for improved safety measures and support for this vulnerable community.

One of the grieving fathers, Ron Coleman, reflects on the circumstances that led to his son Brandon's untimely death in a hit-and-run incident on October 21. Ron speculates that the combination of poorly lit corridors and inadequate mental health support played a role in his son's tragic outcome. If Brandon's schizophrenia and anxiety had been properly treated, Ron wonders if his son would have resorted to drugs to cope, leading to a cycle of jail time and homelessness. Ron firmly believes that with proper care, Brandon would have opted for housing.

The statistics speak volumes about the disparity faced by unhoused Portlanders. Although they make up less than 1% of the Multnomah County population, they account for a staggering 45% of the 20 pedestrian deaths this year. The overrepresentation of the unhoused in traffic fatalities is a preventable tragedy, as noted by Sarah Iannarone, director of The Street Trust, an advocacy group focused on safe transportation and pedestrian design.

This year alone, seven out of ten pedestrian deaths were unhoused individuals. Responding to the alarming figures, Mayor Ted Wheeler implemented a ban on homeless camping in high-crash corridors in February 2022. However, this measure alone did not suffice. The current year has already witnessed 10 out of the 28 pedestrian deaths being unhoused individuals, highlighting the need for more comprehensive solutions.

Dylan Rivera, spokesperson for the Portland Bureau of Transportation, acknowledges that dark conditions, speeding, and impaired driving pose risks to the unhoused population, just like any other Portland residents. He highlights that a mere 8% of the city's streets account for a staggering 74% of the traffic deaths this year. In response, the city has begun implementing traffic calming measures, such as signalized bike and pedestrian crossings, to entice drivers to slow down.

For Ron Coleman, the loss of his son prompts reflection on the joy and love Brandon brought into their lives. A jokester who had a knack for making others laugh, Brandon's passion for music lives on through the rhymes he composed, forever available online. However, Brandon's mental health struggles exacerbated over the years, leading to short-term solutions and a cycle of criminal convictions related to his periods of homelessness.

The story of Brandon Coleman is not an isolated one. His cousin, Gresham City Councilor Vince Jones-Dixon, affirms that Brandon's mental health diagnosis added complexity to his life, but it could never overshadow his genuine loyalty and love for others.

As Ron Coleman mourns the loss of his son, he implores society to cultivate empathy and compassion, reminding people that anyone can fall victim to misfortune. His experience with Brandon has taught him the importance of understanding and not passing judgment on those whose stories we do not know.

Echoing Ron's sentiments, family members of other unhoused pedestrians who tragically lost their lives this year also stress the need for compassion and recognition of the value of every individual, regardless of their circumstances.

The disproportionate impact of traffic fatalities on unhoused Portlanders serves as a wake-up call to address the urgent need for improved safety measures, mental health support, and enhanced visibility on the city streets. Only through strategic investments and comprehensive solutions can we create safer streets for all and prevent further loss of life within this vulnerable population.