According to the Virginia Department of Transportation, pedestrian fatalities have risen from about 70 pedestrian fatalities a year to about 120 a year. With in-person schooling being back in session, school buses, and busier roads, how do we keep ourselves and our children safe? 
Aside from initiatives VDOT is exploring to examine particularly dangerous roads for pedestrians and explore why these roads have higher incidences of accidents, there are some things you can do to practice being a safer pedestrian.
- Follow signage and the rules of the road.
- Never assume that the driver has seen you or is going to follow the rules, don’t proceed if you are not sure they have seen you.
- Use sidewalks and crosswalks if possible, if not possible, always walk facing oncoming traffic.
- Avoid dark clothing at nighttime, wear a reflective vest or carry a flashlight so you can be visible to drivers.
- Don’t walk with headphones in or other distractions, you want to be able to hear and see your surroundings.
- Look for cars in all directions, especially at intersections and crosswalks, and make note of vehicles making turns.
- Keep an eye out for cars that may be coming from alleyways or exiting a parking spot.
- Always go for the area where you not only have the best view the traffic, but also where you will best be seen.
- Avoid walking while under the influence.
Drivers are integral to keeping pedestrians safe, here is what you can do to drive responsibly.
- Obey the rules of the road and keep an eye out for pedestrians.
- Give pedestrians the right of way.
- Slow down at crosswalks and intersections, keep your eyes on the road at all times.
- Avoid distracted driving: keep your hands off your phone, the controls inside your vehicle, and don’t eat or drink while driving. Never consume alcohol and drive.
- Be mindful of places where pedestrians may be, including residential areas, schools, playgrounds, supermarkets. Especially pay attention when places where children may be since they do not always abide by rules of the road.
- Follow the speed limit, especially in school and construction zones where it may be lower.
If you or a loved one have been in a pedestrian accident as a result of the negligence of another, call the attorneys at ReidGoodwin at 804-415-7800 today for a free consultation.