Richmond accelerates traffic safety initiatives after 6 pedestrians die in 3 weeks

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Richmond Mayor Danny Avula announced a series of immediate actions to improve traffic safety after six pedestrian deaths in the last three weeks.

On Thursday, Jan. 8, Avula -- alongside several city leaders and officials -- unveiled immediate actions expanded from “Vision Zero,” a traffic safety initiative to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries.

The plan comes after six different pedestrians were hit and killed since Dec. 19, 2025. This includes Valentine director Bill Martin, who was struck and killed by a driver while crossing East Broad Street on Dec. 28, 2025.

Another was 64-year-old Donald Jaciuk of Richmond, who was hit and killed by a dump truck while crossing West Leigh Street with a walk signal on Tuesday, Jan. 6.

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“We cannot treat traffic deaths as normal and we cannot accept that,” Avula said. “Every person who walks or rides in Richmond deserves to feel safe. I know that, right now, many walkers and runners don't feel that way.”

The immediate actions are as follows:

Creation of a new Richmond Department of Transportation (RDOT)

A new Richmond Department of Transportation (RDOT) will be stood up immediately within the Department of Public Works to lead the City’s street safety and mobility work. Avula appointed Andy Boenau as its director.

Richmond's chief administrative officer Odie Donald, II previously announced plans to create a RDOT during his 100-day update in December 2025.

An expansion of the Safety Camera Program

The City will expand its Safety Camera Program to include red-light cameras targeting one of the most dangerous driving habits.

Ten intersections will come online in the coming months, with four operational by the end of January. 

Various street safety improvements

Avula directed that transportation funds be used to advance 20-mile roadway configurations, increase corner clearance and left turn hardening at more than 80 intersections on the High Injury Network, install 14 additional pedestrian hybrid beacons for mid-block crossings and add 40 new speed tables by the end of the second quarter of 2026.

Pedestrian Safety Task Force

Along with partners at VCU, the city will address safety concerns around City Hall and the VCU Health Campus.

Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards echoed Avula’s message and talked about everyone having a shared responsibility to stay safe.

“Last year, I got a ticket, and I can tell you that I'm driving better because of it,” Edwards said. “I don't want to repeat that. So, I am more mindful of my speeding.”

Edwards also said walkers, bicyclists and runners must also do their part by being alert.

“I often see people with noise-canceling headphones -- that puts you in a bubble and you don't hear the motors,” Edwards said. “We'd ask folks, when you're in an environment like a city like Richmond, to be a defensive walker as well as a defensive driver.”

Department of Public Works director Bobby Vincent said more than $750 million is secured in transportation funding, which is projected to exceed $1.2 billion over the next 5 to 6 years for traffic safety goals.