RICHMOND, Va. (WFXR) — After seeing an increase in deadly pedestrian crashes over the last two weeks, the Virginia State Police (VSP) are warning drivers and pedestrians to use caution.
State police reported that since the beginning of 2024, 19 pedestrians were killed in crashes across Virginia. This includes 10 pedestrians killed in crashes since Feb. 11. These deaths occurred in Wythe, Pittsylvania, Chesterfield, Albemarle, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince Williams, Henrico, and the City of Virginia Beach.
Data collected from the VSP revealed that in 2023, 118 pedestrians died in crashes on roads across Virginia.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drivers should always look for pedestrians, use extra caution in hard-to-see conditions, and be prepared to stop when entering a crosswalk.
VSP shared the following tips for drivers and pedestrians from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles Highway Safety Office:
- Be predictable, follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
- Plan a route with safe crossings.
- Avoid distractions, alcohol and drugs, and be alert.
- Dress to be seen, but never assume drivers see you.
- Wear reflective clothing and carry a blinking light or flashlight at night.
- Walk on sidewalks facing traffic.
- If there’s no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
- Watch for cars backing up, especially in parking lots and driveways.
- Cross at crosswalks or intersections – where drivers expect pedestrians. While crossing, look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right, and make eye contact with turning drivers before proceeding when possible.
- Turning vehicles can be especially dangerous at intersections. If there is no crosswalk or intersection, go to a well-lit area with the best view of traffic, wait until there is enough time to cross safely, and continue to watch for traffic while crossing.
For more safety tips visit the DMV or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration websites.