Since the beginning of 2023, we have seen a 17% decrease in fatal pedestrian crashes compared to last year. Although we are seeing a decrease, it is important that our partners continue to assist in the education and engagement of our communities so that we can continue this downward trend. Tragically, reports show that older adults aged 41 and up are leading in pedestrian deaths on Virginia roadways. Please see the preliminary data below.
Pedestrian Fatalities
Year
Fatalities
% Change
2022
65
2023*
54
-17%
* Preliminary
2023 Preliminary Pedestrian Fatalities
Age
Fatalities
41 to 45
6
46 to 50
4
51 to 55
4
56 to 60
8
61 to 65
3
66 to 70
2
Over 70
6
Total
33
*Preliminary data through 06/06/2023.
We need your continued support as we educate our communities on the importance of keeping safe as we all walk, jog, exercise, or play in and around roadways. Drivers and pedestrians are encouraged to stay vigilant and share the road with all vulnerable road users. It is essential to understand the environment one travels to reduce the risk of becoming involved in auto-pedestrian crashes and to maximize personal safety. Throughout the month of June, we encourage you to post these creative assets on your agency's Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts to spread the message of pedestrian safety in your communities.
Here are some additional resources to utilize as you educate your communities.
With all of us working together to increase the safety of all road users, we can help reduce crashes and save lives.
#PEDESTRIANSAFETY
IF YOU DON'T KNOW, DON'T GO
THE LIFE YOU SAVE MAY BE YOUR OWN!
October 25, 2022 October is Pedestrian Safety Month Pedestrian Fatalities Up 34% This Year
RICHMOND – So far this year, crashes have killed 123 pedestrians on Virginia roadways, an increase of 34% compared to this time in 2021. As part of October's Pedestrian Safety Month, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) urges pedestrians and motorists alike to take extra precautions and use care to save lives.
"Keeping pedestrians safe is a shared responsibility," said Acting DMV Commissioner Linda Ford, the Governor's Highway Safety Representative. "When you're driving, be alert. Pedestrians don't always cross at crosswalks. Always follow posted speed limits so you can safely stop if you need to. When you're walking, be vigilant. Don't assume a vehicle will stop at a stop sign. Look the driver in the eye to make sure they see you before you cross."
So far this year:
Most pedestrian fatalities have occurred in urban areas with nearly 75% reported in areas around Hampton Roads, Northern Virginia, and Richmond.
Fatal crashes were most likely to occur between 6 p.m. and midnight.
60% of those killed were over 50 years old.
Males represented 69% of fatalities.
DMV and its law enforcement and nonprofit safety partners are employing multifaceted strategies to raise awareness of the importance of pedestrian safety. DMV leads the state's Pedestrian Safety Task Force, a collaborative effort to reduce pedestrian-related crashes, injuries and fatalities. To help promote our pedestrian safety campaign, we encourage those interested to share our YouTube video on social media or public-access television.
"DMV, law enforcement and our nonprofit safety partners are working diligently to get this important message out to as many people as possible, but we need your help," Acting Commissioner Ford said. "During Pedestrian Safety Month, please take a moment to remind your friends and family to stay safe when walking and to keep an eye out for pedestrians when driving. Together, we can save lives on our roadways."
Editor's Note: See the attached report for localized statistics on pedestrian-relatedcrashes, injuries and fatalities.
Virginia DMV along the Nation Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recognizes October as Pedestrian Safety Month. Responsibility for pedestrian safety begins with each individual. If a crystal ball could predict who, what, where or when the next victim would be involved in a pedestrian crash, it would be useful to eliminate such tragedy. The best practices, such as, to cross at crosswalks, look both ways before crossing a street, to walk against traffic when not on a sidewalk, and to wear bright/reflective colored clothing, are all applicable to individuals walking, biking and rolling.
Individuals cannot rely on a crystal ball, and distractions, such as those created by cell phones, increase the chance of becoming a victim of pedestrian crashes, injuries and fatalities. DMV maintains crash data in which each number represents an individual person. The preceding three years indicates those individuals involved in pedestrian crashes. See the chart below.
Daily fatality reports indicate victims involved are of all races, genders and ages throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. Again, every victim/person had an identity. Several years of analysis indicate crash avoidance involves every individual being cognizant in their surroundings. The following chart shows the regional pedestrian crash data throughout Virginia.
Region
2019
2020
2021
Pedestrian Fatalities
Pedestrian Serious Injuries
Pedestrian Fatalities
Pedestrian Serious Injuries
Pedestrian Fatalities
Pedestrian Serious Injuries
Bristol
5
14
2
11
4
15
Fairfax
38
135
30
105
37
118
Portsmouth
25
135
22
122
36
128
Richmond
31
85
32
67
27
77
Roanoke
12
31
19
39
9
45
Staunton
13
32
9
29
12
30
Totals
124
432
114
373
125
413
Bottom line, there is "NO CRYSTAL BALL". You must be responsible and use caution while walking, jogging, exercising or playing in and around roadways. Resources are attached for use to promote awareness.
# PEDESTRIAN SAFETY IF YOU DON'T KNOW, DON'T GO THE LIFE YOU SAVE MAY BE YOUR OWN!
June 2022 Virginia Pedestrian Safety Campaign – "If You Don't Know, Don't Go"
Virginia experienced a10% increasein fatal pedestrian crashes from 2020 - 2021. As such, Virginia DMV invites you to highlight the Pedestrian Safety Message "If You Don't Know, Don't Go"during the June 2022 Virginia Pedestrian Safety Campaign.
To participate, please post the animation linked below and the following message to the social media platform(s) of your choice:
"Virginians are encouraged to be predictable. It is safer to use provided infrastructure such as crosswalks, signal lights and intersections to increase visibility and assist with safe road crossings. #pedestriansafety".
The Department of Motor Vehicles urges all those going out to "take your inner scout." Crossing streets mid-block can have unwanted consequences. "Crossing streets not at an intersection" remains the leading cause of pedestrian fatalities. Be predictable, it is safer to use provided infrastructure such as crosswalks, signal lights and intersections to increase visibility and assist with safe road crossings.
Consider wearing bright colors, carrying a light and walking or walking with friends to increase the opportunity to be seen by motorists.Motorist should look out for pedestrians by avoiding distractions, staying alert to changes in driving conditions and adhering to speed limits.
The 2021-22 Virginia TREDS crash data on pedestrian crashes, fatalities and injuries paint an alarming picture. Pedestrian crash data totals in the Commonwealth of Virginia are as follows:
Data
Crashes
Fatalities
Serious Injuries
2021
1399
125
413
January and February 2022 data continues to depict traffic safety concerns for pedestrians. While 16 jurisdictions have recorded fatalities, 6 jurisdictions reported multiple deaths involving pedestrians. Forty-six percent of the pedestrian fatalities were 60 years of age and older.
Preliminary Data
Crashes
Fatalities
Serious Injuries
2022
208
28
53
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 be in a parking lot, crosswalk, or on a road, Everyone is a Pedestrian
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.
Please share the available resources below with your communities, business partners and others using social media outlets or, websites, to decrease the pedestrian related crashes, fatalities, and injuries.
Stay safe and thank you for your continued dedication to highway safety.
Tips to Share with Your Community
To stay safe on the roads, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists need to respect each other.
Drivers should look out for pedestrians by avoiding distractions and drive in relation to conditions as well as adhering to speed limits.
Pedestrians should:
Plan a route with safe crossings
Avoid distractions, alcohol and drugs, and be alert
Dress to be seen, wear reflective clothing, but never assume drivers see you
Carry a blinking light or flashlight at night
Walk on sidewalks and 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
When walking, pedestrians should be predictable, follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals. They should cross at crosswalks or intersections – where drivers expect pedestrians.
While crossing, pedestrians must look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right, and make eye contact with turning drivers before proceeding when possible.
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
Continue to watch for traffic while crossing.
Parents and caregivers must remind children and older adults to be safe as pedestrians.
Whether it be in a parking lot, crosswalk, or on a road, everyone is a pedestrian.
Therefore, use the available resources below to share with your communities by way of social media outlets, websites, sharing with business partners and other avenues to decrease the pedestrian related crashes, fatalities, and injuries.
Stay safe and be aware of the environment and personal surroundings when using the transportation system.
Contact Dwight Jenkins, Pedestrian/Bicycle Coordinator if there are any questions or concerns related to making Pedestrian Safety Awareness Month a priority in your local community.
CHAPEL HILL, N.C., May 13, 2020— The Walk Friendly Communities program (WFC) recognized ten U.S. cities for their commitment to prioritize pedestrians and create safe, comfortable and inviting places to walk. The Walk Friendly Community designations include Gold-level recognition for Boulder, Colorado; Charlottesville, Virginia; Evanston, Illinois; and Somerville, Massachusetts. Read more
