Look left, right, up and out for each other: Pedestrian safety a shared responsibility

RICHMOND — With the school year upon us and daylight hours shortening, pedestrians are at a greater risk, so the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is reminding everyone to be extra cautious and alert and follow the rules of the road so everyone safely arrives to their destination.

Pedestrians are among the most at-risk road users because they lack the protection of a vehicle. Crashes involving pedestrians have continued to climb in Virginia the last several years, increasing 43% between 2020 and 2024. In the last decade, there were more than 39,000 crashes involving pedestrians, and more than 1,300 pedestrians died.

About 45% of pedestrian fatalities occur at or within 150 feet of an intersection. Of those, 75% are people crossing the roadway, and 70% occurred during darkness. Of the 55% of fatalities between intersections, 40% are people crossing and 80% occurred when dark.

Marked crosswalks are intended to provide pedestrians a visible and detectable place to cross the road. Most crosswalks are at intersections with stop signs or traffic signals and may have supplemental pedestrian signing; however, crosswalks may also be installed between intersections. Drivers most expect to see pedestrians on the road within intersections and mid-block crosswalks.

Pedestrians may decide to cross mid-block rather than walk to the nearest intersection or marked crosswalk to get across the street for a variety of reasons, including speed limit, the number of lanes, traffic conditions, and how much time would be saved by crossing between intersections, according to research done by Old Dominion University and funded by VDOT’s Virginia Transportation Research Council. The council published a study last year examining the factors influencing pedestrian decisions to cross at mid-block locations without a marked crosswalk and identifying potential countermeasures to enhance pedestrian safety.

Given the increasing number of severe pedestrian crashes, with many involving people crossing the roadway, VDOT has focused dedicated federal and state safety funding on upgrading signalized intersections to provide crosswalks, adding crosswalks at stop-controlled intersections and mid-block locations with tendency for people to cross. Where needed, median refuge islands and curb ramps are included in those projects. Other construction funding sources are providing new pedestrian and bicyclist facilities, traffic calming and intersection enhancements for pedestrian safety.

VDOT has a few reminders for pedestrians and motorists to help everyone get where they’re going safely.

If you’re driving:

• Anticipate pedestrians at intersections and mid-block marked crosswalks.
• Stop and yield for pedestrians in crosswalks.
• When turning, your line of sight may be obstructed, so look multiple times in all directions to yield the right of way to pedestrians.
• Put your phone away and pay attention so you’re alert if pedestrians enter your path.
• Follow the posted speed limit and adjust to traffic and weather conditions.
• Be cautious when passing stopped buses or other vehicles that can block your view of pedestrians that may enter the roadway. 

 If you’re walking:

• Cross the street at intersections or crosswalks, where drivers most expect to see pedestrians. Follow the pedestrian signal instructions, and look left, right, and then left again before crossing. If the pedestrian signal is flashing DON’T WALK, do not enter the crosswalk as the message allows enough time for people already in the crosswalk to complete their crossing.
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street to ensure the driver is aware of you.
• Use sidewalks or paths, and if there isn’t one, walk on the left side of the road facing oncoming traffic as far from traffic as possible.
• When walking, keep your eyes on the road watching the traffic and ears listening for traffic. Reduce looking at electronic devices and be sure the volume is low.
• Dress to be seen. Especially at night; don’t wear dark clothing and use reflective materials and a light when feasible.