State police stress safety after 10 pedestrians killed over past two weeks on Virginia roads
VA State Police stress pedestrian safety amid increase in deaths
Two months into the year, Virginia State Police put out an alert about what they call an alarming uptick in the number of pedestrian fatalities. Police say 10 pedestrians have been killed over the last two weeks on roadways across the Commonwealth.
FAIRFAX, Va. - Two months into the year, Virginia State Police put out an alert about what they call an alarming uptick in the number of pedestrian fatalities thus far.
Police say 10 pedestrians have been killed over the last two weeks on roadways across the Commonwealth.
Since Feb. 11, officials say fatalities have occurred in Prince William, Fairfax, Loudoun, Henrico, Chesterfield, Albemarle, Pittsylvania, and Wythe Counties, as well as in Virginia Beach. Police data shows there have been 19 pedestrians killed in Virginia since the beginning of the year.
According to preliminary State Police data, thus far this year, there have been 19 total deaths, including two in Prince William County and one in Loudoun County. Fairfax County is also reporting two pedestrian deaths thus far this year.
The numbers confirm a U.S. trend of increasing pedestrian fatalities.
This week, the Governors Highway Safety Association was out with a report indicating they’ve analyzed the first six months of 2023 and found a modest, 4% decrease in fatalities, but overall there’s a 14% increase since the pandemic began and a stunning 58% increase in the last decade.
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Adam Snider is a spokesman for that organization who says there are a variety of factors that have led to this increase, including distracted driving and vehicles that have a higher center of gravity to name a few. But the group calls for continued infrastructure improvements, and equitable enhanced enforcement to ensure drivers are safe.
According to a review of D.C. police releases, there have been five pedestrian deaths thus far in 2024, including a 5-year-old girl.
The trend also prompted Fairfax County Police to put out safety reminders for both drivers and pedestrians a few days ago.
For drivers, Fairfax County Police said, and Virginia State Police reiterated that drivers should do all they can to eliminate distractions, stay alert, adapt to conditions, respect crosswalks, not speed, and give space for pedestrians and cyclists.
For pedestrians, use crosswalks, take your time and, especially on roads that don’t have sidewalks, be visible.
Virginia State Police suggests bright clothing, reflective gear aside from something on shoes, and a spokesperson even suggested pedestrians keep their phone light or screen on to increase visibility.
While State Police has emphasized that distracted walking is an issue, and pedestrians should do more to limit it, they and Adam Snider with the Governor’s Highway Safety Association stressed that drivers need to put down the phones and be mindful there may be pedestrians.
"At the end of the day, drivers are the one who are controlling a 2 to 3 ton hunk of metal. Distracted walking is an issue in some parts of the country, but I am not aware of a single distracted walker who has killed a driver, but distracted drivers kill pedestrians every single day," Snider said.
Pedestrian safety tips 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.
Police say 118 pedestrians died in crashes on Virginia roadways in 2023.