Maines pedestrian collision data comes up short | Letter

Published: Monday, January 12, 2026 at 11:59 am

Maine Pedestrian Collision Data Raises Questions

A recent analysis of Maine's road crash data has revealed significant discrepancies in how collisions involving pedestrians and cyclists are investigated compared to those involving only cars. The data, publicly available and mappable, allows for independent analysis of crash reports.

The analysis focused on crashes in Portland and surrounding towns, comparing incidents involving pedestrians or cyclists with those involving only motor vehicles. A striking pattern emerged: in approximately 50% of collisions involving pedestrians or cyclists, the investigating officer did not record any cause for the crash. This "no-cause" entry was the largest single category of cause recorded in these types of incidents. In contrast, "no-cause" entries accounted for only 16% of crashes involving only cars.

The data also revealed a disparity in the reporting of speeding-related causes. Speeding was cited as a factor in about 6% of car-only crashes, but in less than 1% of crashes involving pedestrians or cyclists. This suggests a potential underreporting of speed as a contributing factor in collisions involving vulnerable road users.

These findings raise questions about the thoroughness of investigations into crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists. The discrepancies in cause reporting could indicate a lack of focus on determining the root causes of these incidents, potentially hindering efforts to improve road safety for vulnerable road users.

BNN's Perspective:

While the data presented highlights concerning trends in crash reporting, it's crucial to avoid jumping to conclusions. The discrepancies could be due to various factors, including the complexity of investigating collisions involving vulnerable road users or resource constraints. Further investigation and dialogue between law enforcement, advocacy groups, and the public are needed to understand the underlying causes and ensure fair and accurate reporting of all road crashes.

Keywords: Maine, pedestrian, cyclist, road crashes, collision data, crash reports, Portland, speeding, investigation, road safety, vulnerable road users, data analysis, traffic accidents

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