Virginia Pedestrian Safety
Projected Problems for Virginia Pedestrian Safety
A peek into our past gives us a glimpse into our future In regards to Virginia Pedestrian Safety — hopefully one we plan to change. The Governors Highway Safety Association estimates 6,227 pedestrians died in traffic accidents in the United States in 2018 and Virginia recorded 114 of those deaths. The preliminary number is based on the first six months of traffic data from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, adjusted with historical trends. This projection puts the number of pedestrians killed on our roadways at the highest it’s been in nearly three decades.
A Trend Not Worth Mirroring
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says 72% of pedestrian crashes take place outside intersections, and unfortunately, many states are starting to mirror the national trend. In 2017, the state of Virginia recorded 114 pedestrian deaths — a majority of those crashes taking placing outside intersections. The problems don’t end there. Pedestrians aren’t being seen, and nighttime crashes are becoming a greater obstacle. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, about 75% of all pedestrian deaths in 2017 took place after dark.
Vigilant In Virginia
We can’t turn back the clock on 2018, but we can change the course of 2019. It’s evident we need safer roads, and to educate people about risky behaviors — like crossing mid-block. Remember, pedestrians have the right of way, but they also have a responsibility to follow the law — just like drivers. The Governors Highway Safety Association estimates pedestrians account for 16% of all traffic deaths in 2018. In order to protect our communities, the following proposals have been communicated to help address pedestrian and driver safety:
- Targeted enforcement
- Education outreach
- Analyze pedestrian crash data
- Road safety audits
- Engineering enforcement
- Adoption of Complete Streets policies
Pedestrian accidents can be one of the most serious personal injuries. Injury victims have the right to seek economic and non-economic compensation, which includes past and future medical coasts, lost wages, pain and suffering. At Randall J. Trost, P.C., we understand accident victims need the upmost commitment in order to seek the maximum compensation deserved. If you or a loved one is injured in a pedestrian accident, contact us for a free, no obligation case evaluation.