Bigfoot steps out of hiding for ODOT's new crosswalk safety commercial

PORTLAND, Ore. – Sasquatch has emerged from the depths of the Pacific Northwest forests with a message for Oregon drivers.

Unlike the grainy footage of Bigfoot that has surfaced in the past, the message in ODOT’s latest campaign is clear:

“Every intersection is a legal crosswalk, striped or not.”

The Oregon Department of Transportation teamed up with Sasquatch for a PSA video on the importance of staying alert around streets and roads. The message is universal, and ODOT says it applies to drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists - even mythical furry forest creatures.

Pedestrian deaths increased by 50 percent in 2015, ODOT said, adding that an average of 850 pedestrians are hurt or killed by drivers each year.

“In this video, Sasquatch helps remind us that we all have to look out for one another,” said Rian Windsheimer, ODOT’s Portland area manager. “When you’re driving or biking you have to stop for anyone showing intent to cross the street.”

ODOT said that under Oregon law ORS 811.028:

• Every intersection is a legal crosswalk. When driving, you must stop for people showing intent to cross the street at a marked or unmarked crosswalk or at a marked mid-block crosswalk.
• When walking, you have the right of way at marked and unmarked intersections and mid-block crosswalks when you signal intent to cross. Intent is shown by extending your hand, foot, wheelchair, cane, crutch or bicycle into the roadway. For your safety, make sure vehicles moving in all lanes and in both directions have stopped before proceeding.