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CDOT introduces 'Fred Estrian' to promote pedestrian safety

Posted at 11:41 AM, Sep 20, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-20 16:35:08-04

DENVER – The Colorado Department of Transportation brought “Fred Estrian” to the busy streets of Denver Tuesday morning. For two hours, the character in an all-white costume greeted pedestrians and delivered his serious safety message in a humorous tone.

The character was modeled after the classic walk signal, and his message focused on the growing number of pedestrian fatalities and crashes throughout the state.

According to CDOT, Colorado saw 1,330 pedestrian crashes in 2015 - 59 of them deadly. The department also found that more than 70 percent of the crashes happened at non-intersections.

Fred is scheduled to make an appearance on Broadway and Colfax on Tuesday evening from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

CDOT spokesman Sam Cole said this is the first time the department has used Fred Estrian to promote safety.

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