UPDATE (February 14, 2025): Recent reports have been released which identify the pedestrian who lost his life as a result of this accident as 68-year-old Joseph Chandler. No additional information is currently available. Investigations continue.
Salem, OR — January 22, 2025, a pedestrian was killed following a bus accident at approximately 1:00 p.m. along High Street.
According to authorities, a pedestrian was attempting to cross the street in a crosswalk at the intersection of High Street and Union Street when the accident took place.
The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, the pedestrian was struck by a bus as the vehicle was attempting a right turn from westbound Union Street onto northbound High Street. The pedestrian suffered fatal injuries due to the collision and was reportedly declared deceased at the scene. Additional details pertaining to this incident—including the identity of the victim—are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
Accidents like the one reported in Salem, where a pedestrian was fatally struck by a bus in a crosswalk, highlight the critical need for thorough investigations into the factors that may have contributed to the incident. While the details remain unclear, my experience with similar cases has taught me that such collisions rarely stem from a single issue.
One area of inquiry is the bus driver’s actions. Pedestrians in a marked crosswalk typically have the right-of-way, and drivers are obligated to ensure the crosswalk is clear before proceeding. Investigators should determine whether the driver was distracted, misjudged the pedestrian’s position, or simply failed to notice them in time. Any failure to exercise caution would raise questions about the driver’s decision-making.
Beyond the driver, attention must also be directed toward the bus itself. Were its mirrors, cameras, and other visibility aids in proper working order? Large vehicles often have significant blind spots, but modern safety equipment can mitigate those risks—if it’s properly maintained. Investigators should verify whether the bus met all safety standards and whether its systems were functioning correctly at the time of the accident.
The bus operator’s policies and practices also warrant examination. Companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers are adequately trained, particularly for navigating urban areas with dense pedestrian traffic. Was the driver properly trained to handle right turns at busy intersections? Was the company pressuring its drivers to adhere to tight schedules, potentially prioritizing speed over safety?
For the pedestrian’s loved ones, understanding how this accident occurred is essential. Pedestrians should feel safe using crosswalks, and the apparent failure to protect this individual raises serious concerns about what went wrong.
Ultimately, a thorough investigation is the least that can be done to ensure that all the facts are uncovered and accountability is determined. Even if it requires independent investigation, it’s only through such careful means that those impacted by this accident can receive the clarity and closure they deserve.
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