Pedestrian Safety Frequently Asked Questions
- Are pedestrian deaths and injuries a big problem?
- Yes. In 2016 there were 761 traffic fatalities, and 121 of those – or almost 16 percent – were pedestrians. For a five-year period, from 2012 to 2016, pedestrian fatalities in Virginia ranged from 78 in 2013 to a high of 121 deaths in 2016. Nationally, thousands of pedestrians are injured or killed in traffic crashes every year in the United States.
- Where do most pedestrian deaths occur?
- Most pedestrian deaths occur at night, not at intersections, in Virginia’s large urban areas including northern Virginia, Hampton Roads and Richmond, in that order. For example, there were 205 pedestrian-involved crashes, 16 pedestrian deaths and 216 injuries in 2016 in Fairfax County.
- Does alcohol impairment contribute to pedestrian deaths?
- Yes. In 2016 in Virginia, one in three of the 121 fatalities involved drinking by the pedestrian.
- Who is most at risk in terms of pedestrian fatalities?
- Everyone who walks is at risk, but sometimes older pedestrians and young children need to be reminded of the rules of the road. The age group with the highest pedestrian-involved crashes in Virginia from 2014 to 2016 was 21 to 30, with 41 through 55 being the second highest.
- How do most pedestrian fatalities occur?
- Most pedestrian deaths occur at night on urban roadways, at non-intersections. Pedestrians and drivers are both at fault in about half of fatal crashes, and about 1 in 3 pedestrian fatalities were drinking.
- What is the correct way to scan before crossing the street?
- Always 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.