Portland, OR — Deaths on Portland’s roadways continue to climb, with the city reporting a troubling increase in fatalities this year. According to the Portland Police Bureau, 67 people have died in traffic-related incidents in 2024, a significant rise in comparison to past years. Of those fatalities, 25 were pedestrians, highlighting an ongoing concern for vulnerable road users.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Sgt. Ty Engstrom of the Portland Police Bureau’s Traffic Division provided a breakdown of the figures. Along with the pedestrian deaths, there were 11 fatalities involving motorcyclists and 4 involving cyclists. Engstrom noted that the number of bicycle-related deaths has risen slightly compared to previous years, adding to the concern.

Engstrom pointed to a “cultural issue” on Portland’s streets, where drivers often feel they can act recklessly. He stressed that the number of traffic fatalities in the past five years has consistently surpassed the previous 20 years, signaling a need for a significant change in driving behavior. “People feel like they can drive however they want, and that needs to change,” Engstrom stated.

While Engstrom acknowledged that different agencies may report traffic deaths differently — for example, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration excludes crashes caused by medical events — the rising trend remains a cause for alarm.

In response to the escalating fatalities, the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is taking steps to address the issue. During the press conference, PBOT spokesperson Dylan Rivera explained that the bureau is actively working to improve safety through infrastructure changes. One of the key initiatives is the increased installation of traffic cameras, including red light cameras, in areas with high traffic violations. The goal is to deter dangerous driving behaviors and encourage people to slow down.

With the rise in deaths on Portland’s streets, officials are calling for a collective effort to improve road safety and reduce the number of fatalities in the years to come. As the city continues to grapple with these alarming statistics, the hope is that these new measures will help foster a safer environment for all road users.