VCU Police increase traffic enforcement after deadly pedestrian crashes

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — As the spring semester gets underway at Virginia Commonwealth University, VCU Police are increasing traffic enforcement amid a recent rise in pedestrian deaths across the city.

VCU Police have launched Operation Safer Streets, a targeted enforcement effort focused on areas with high pedestrian traffic around campus. The initiative comes after six pedestrian deaths in Richmond over the past few weeks, including two crashes near VCU and VCU Health campuses.

VCU Police Officer Josiah Evans is one of several officers that will amplify enforcement efforts along major corridors over the next three months.

“So, for here I look at the lights, ” Evans explained as he monitored drivers along Belvidere Street. “I’m looking for anybody that’s going to run the red light.”

Evans, who has been with the department for seven years, said he's responded to several deadly pedestrian crashes.

“It's pretty sad, honestly,” he said. “When you see the parents come or loved ones come, and, you know, we got to tell them the news and just kind of seeing the reaction, it kind of brings the whole situation to light.”

While police say there were no clear patterns in the two crashes near campus, officers report several recurring issues, including drivers failing to yield to pedestrians, speeding and distracted driving.

VCU Police Lt. Edgar Greer emphasized that safety is a shared responsibility among all travelers.

“If you’re in a vehicle, do not allow yourself to be distracted,” Greer said. “Pay attention. Every time you get behind a vehicle, take it seriously. The other message is if you’re a pedestrian or any other mode of transportation, my expectation is before you cross the street, make sure it’s safe to cross the street.”

Since Monday, officers have conducted 131 traffic stops and issued at least 100 tickets as part of the operation.

“It’s a deterrent,” Evans said. “Especially when people see that you’re actually active. You’re enforcing the red light violations, no left turns... it kind of makes them second guess if they’re going to do it.”

Enforcement is just one part of what police say is a three-pronged operation. Officers say they're also focused on outreach through social media and community engagement, as well as education.

“Just slow it down, please because we’ve been having a lot of people getting hit,” Evans said to a driver as he issued a warning.

Police said they will continue to collect and review data throughout the operation to evaluate its effectiveness.

“[If] we have a reduction of traffic accidents, serious injuries or deaths,” Greer said. “That combined with not necessarily seeing a pattern of us not having these issues will be the judgment of our success.”