On Friday, the city sent out a press release calling attention to these occurrences, which include many alleged hit-and-runs as well.

“Among these incidents was a hit-and-run at 24th Street and Harrison Boulevard, where a 14-year-old girl was struck by a vehicle while crossing in a crosswalk,” the release said, referencing events that happened Wednesday morning. “The vehicle fled the scene, but two nearby high school students rushed to her aid. Thankfully, the girl’s injuries were minor, though the incident highlights a growing concern statewide regarding pedestrian safety and hit-and-run accidents.”

Ogden Mayor Ben Nadolski said these incidents are unacceptable, but he praised the actions of bystanders.

“It’s deeply troubling that the driver didn’t stop to help her, but I am also incredibly thankful for the two young high school students that came to her aid,” he said in the release. “Their actions are a powerful reminder and example of the kind of community we want to be — one where we look out for one another and always stop to help when someone is in need.”

While the teenager who was hit Wednesday was able to walk away, a 58-year-old man died after being hit in downtown Ogden on Aug. 31 by a driver who reportedly left the scene. And on July 29, 31-year-old Charlie Hodgson was killed after being hit by a garbage truck while riding his bike in a crosswalk at 12th Street and Wall Avenue.

The release noted that the problem also extends beyond Ogden and has been worsening in recent years.

“In 2020, the state recorded a nine-year low in auto-pedestrian accidents, with 743 incidents,” it said. “However, this number has steadily climbed, reaching a peak of 935 in 2022 — a nearly 26% increase. Although 2023 saw a slight decline to 926, the current year has already reached 902 incidents, with over three weeks remaining. In Ogden City, the number of auto pedestrian accidents has fluctuated, starting at 65 in 2020, dropping to 48 in 2023, but increasing to 72 in 2024.”

Ogden Police Chief Jake Sube said in the release that the rise in such incidents is a reminder of the importance of street safety.

“Ensuring the well-being of our community requires teamwork, and Ogden City is committed to addressing these challenges,” he said. “From the Police Department to Public Services, we are working together to implement solutions that make our streets safer for everyone.”

Ogden Director of Communications Mike McBride told the Standard-Examiner in an email that authorities are stepping up traffic enforcement throughout the city.

“The Ogden Police Department is committed to addressing the rise in auto-pedestrian accidents,” he said. “We will be increasing crosswalk enforcement, target distracted driving violations, and focus on educating both drivers and pedestrians about safe practices. By prioritizing these efforts, we aim to make our streets safer for everyone.”

He added that there will be increased saturation patrols in high-priority/high-risk areas such as school zones.

In the press release, Ogden Director of Public Services Justin Anderson said the city also has embarked on several projects meant to make area streets safer.

“Across the city, we’ve completed multiple projects designed with safety at the forefront,” he said. “The 20th Street Reconstruction was our largest project this year, addressing one of the most heavily used and deteriorated roads in Ogden.”

McBride said the community also is looking at ways to plan for safer streets in the future.

“General plan updates will include carefully planned active transportation corridors,” he said. “Ongoing citywide road condition/age inventory that prioritizes (pot holes) and finally, street lighting improvements through Rocky Mountain Power.”

Still, Nadolski said law enforcement and infrastructure improvements will only be a part of the solution.

“While the city is working tirelessly to improve infrastructure and address safety challenges, we can’t do it alone,” he said. “A safe city is built on shared responsibility. Each of us plays a role — whether it’s slowing down behind the wheel, paying attention at crosswalks, or stopping to help someone in need. Together, we can ensure Ogden is a community that values and protects every life.”