A survey Kittelson & Associates conducted May 10-31, 2024, in Hermiston revealed residents' top safety concern on public roads is driver behavior.

HERMISTON — Hermiston residents’ primary safety concern on public roads is driver behavior, especially around schools, parks and other community centers.

That concern was revealed in a community survey Kittelson & Associates conducted May 10-31.

The survey is part of the first phase in developing the Hermiston Safety Action Plan to create safer transportation systems in Hermiston. The survey included 30 in-person responses on May 11 at the Spring Bazaar, skatepark ribbon cutting and Hermiston Food Pod, and another 46 responses online. Overall respondents rated Hermiston’s road safety 2.9 out of 5 stars, meaning they feel moderately safe on Hermiston’s roads.

Respondents said they regularly saw aggressive, distracted or impaired driving and speeding near schools and other commonly traveled areas, such as Highway 395, North First Place to Hinkle Road, and 11th Street. They also noted a lack of sidewalks, high-quality cyclist and pedestrian access near schools, confusing intersections and the lack of left turn lanes on busy roads.

Old River Road and Craig Road were cited as top locations for safety interventions but are outside Hermiston city limits and will be considered as part of county-wide safety planning efforts.

To address safety concerns, respondents asked for better visibility on roads, more traffic control signs and improved walking and biking lanes. To improve safety on Highway 395, respondents suggested taking steps to reduce congestion and keeping pedestrians from illegally crossing the roadway.

These recommendations will guide the preparation of the Hermiston Safety Action Plan and be part of grant requests, including for the city’s road and police departments. The plan receives funding from the city and through the Federal Highways Administration’s Safe Streets for All Program.

“Our goal is to make sure that residents and visitors alike have safe and efficient options for getting around Hermiston,” Hermiston Planning Director Clint Spencer said. “This survey helps us understand the perspective of motorists, pedestrians and others who use our public roads and sidewalks. It will help us plan for the future as we prepare for continued growth and increasing traffic of all kinds.”