VDOT shares safety tips as pedestrian fatalities continue to rise

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- As the days grow shorter, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is warning drivers and pedestrians to be extra cautious of one another.

According to a release from VDOT, crashes involving pedestrians increased 43% between 2020 and 2024.

"In the last decade, there were more than 39,000 crashes involving pedestrians, and more than 1,300 pedestrians died," the release reads. "About 45% of pedestrian fatalities occur at or within 150 feet of an intersection. Of those, 75% are people crossing the roadway, and 70% occurred during darkness. Of the 55% of fatalities between intersections, 40% are people crossing and 80% occurred when dark."

For pedestrians, VDOT has the following safety tips to prevent accidents:

• Cross the street at intersections and crosswalks, where drivers are expecting to see you
• Follow pedestrian traffic signal instructions
• Look left, right and then left again before crossing
• Make eye contact with drivers to ensure they are aware of your presence
• Try to always use sidewalks and paths -- if there isn't one, walk on the left side of the road, facing oncoming traffic
• When walking, keep your eyes on the road and listen for traffic
• Dress to be seen -- especially at night when you may want to wear reflective materials or lights

VDOT also has the following safety tips for drivers:

• Anticipate pedestrians at intersections and mid-block marked crosswalks
• Stop and yield for pedestrians at crosswalks
• When turning, your line of sight may be obstructed, so look around you multiple times
• Put your phone away and pay attention so you are alert if pedestrians enter your path
• Follow the posted speed limit and adjust to traffic and weather conditions
• Be cautious when passing stopped buses or other vehicles that may block your view of pedestrians

In addition to its safety tips, the VDOT release says federal and state funding has been invested in increasing the safety around intersections and crossings -- such as upgraded signals, median refuge islands and curb ramps.