Pedestrian Safety: Not Using Crosswalks Results in Pedestrian Deaths

Prince William County, VA… The Prince William County Police Department and the state Department of Motor Vehicles urge people planning to travel on foot to always cross at intersections or in crosswalks. Crossing streets mid-block remains the leading cause of pedestrian fatalities in Virginia.

Drivers are expecting pedestrians – including runners – to be predictable. Therefore, it is safer to use provided infrastructure such as crosswalks, signal lights and intersections to increase visibility and assist with safe road crossings.  

Pedestrians should also consider wearing bright colors, carrying a light while walking, or walking with friends to increase the opportunity to be seen by motorists. Likewise, motorists should look out for pedestrians while driving by avoiding distractions, staying alert to changes in driving conditions and adhering to posted speed limits.

The 2021-22 Virginia crash data on pedestrian crashes, fatalities and injuries paints an alarming picture. Pedestrian crash data totals in the Commonwealth of Virginia are as follows [source: TREDs]:

Data	Crashes	Fatalities	Serious Injuries
2021	1399	125	413

Data through April 2022 continues to depict traffic safety concerns for pedestrians.

Preliminary	Crashes	Fatalities	Serious Injuries
2022	434	49	125

Prince William County has experienced three crashes resulting in three pedestrian fatalities in 2022, and 14 pedestrians have suffered injuries from motor vehicle crashes in 2022.

 

This data suggests that pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists all need to respect each other to promote safety on our roads.

Consider planning a route with safe crossings. Avoid distractions, alcohol and drugs, to remain alert. Walk on sidewalks and, if there’s no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible. Parents and caregivers must remind children and older adults to be safe as pedestrians – whether it is in a parking lot, a crosswalk or on a road.

If there is no crosswalk or intersection, pedestrians should: 

• 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.
• Make eye contact with turning drivers when possible.

See pedestrian safety video here: https://youtu.be/7WAez6cydHc