‘We’re seeing improvements’: Pedestrian safety efforts show results at VCU, police say

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) students received a lesson in pedestrian safety on Wednesday, April 8, as VCU police hosted a safety fair to bring awareness to a key issue on campus.

VCU Police collaborated with 17 community partners, including Richmond Police, Virginia State Police and DRIVE SMART Virginia, to emphasize that roadway safety is a shared responsibility. The event featured games, giveaways, and props, one of which served as a dramatic visual to remind students of the consequences of unsafe driving.

“That’s definitely a powerful message over there,” said VCU student Dean Mohiuddin as he pointed to a damaged vehicle displayed at the fair.

The car was involved in a deadly crash, where a person driving under the influence, struck and killed a pedestrian. Mohiuddin said it was a message that hit home for him.

“I mean, I’ve had friends from high school who have passed because of things like this," he said.

The event comes as Richmond has experienced several pedestrian crashes in recent months, prompting increased traffic enforcement and safety initiatives.

“We have them sign a pledge saying that they’re not going to drink and drive, that they would be safe on the roadway, not speed, things of that nature,” said Officer Josiah Evans, a crime prevention specialist patrol officer with VCU Police.

The fair follows the completion of Operation Safer Streets, a three month traffic enforcement initiative that began in January. Since its inception, officers issued 1,760 summonses, the majority of which include speeding violations, failure to obey highway signs and red light violations.

Mohiuddin said the increased enforcement was noticeable on campus.

“I recently got a ticket by a VCU police officer who was on his bicycle. So props to that man, I guess,” he said. “But they’re doing their job, and that’s the point. And I think it’s making everyone aware.”

Others say they are seeing a shift in behavior as awareness grows.

“I definitely know that among students there is more awareness compared to before,” said another student. “I’ve seen at least some of those that are closer to me more aware about their surroundings when they’re walking.”

Police said early signs indicate the initiative is making an impact. Evans noted a decline in illegal left turns and distracted pedestrian behavior, such as crossing streets while using phones or wearing headphones.

“A lot of people don’t know about the no left turns. A lot of times a lot of accidents come from that,” Evans said. “We’re starting to see a decline in that. We’re seeing people looking left and right. So it’s definitely having a big effect that we’re seeing around here.”

VCU Police say as they continue to enhance pedestrian safety efforts, they're reminding students to practice safe habits whether they are driving or walking.