As the days grow shorter this time of year, pedestrians in Virginia find themselves more at risk due to the limited visibility that accompanies the darker times of day. A person may be a pedestrian in a variety of situations that could include running or walking for exercise, walking their dog, walking across a street in a crosswalk to get from one location to another, or simply walking from their car to a store in a single parking lot. It is important for people to be aware of the risks they face in these types of situations.
Sadly, it seems that pedestrians today face an increased risk of being hit by a car or other vehicle than they may have in the past. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 88 pedestrian deaths recorded in Virginia in 2014. That decreased to 77 the following year but then jumped dramatically to 122 in 2016. Another slight decline followed to 111 in 2017 but that progress was also short-lived. Last year, the state experienced 118 pedestrian fatalities.
Between 2014 and 2018, a total of 60 people died in motor vehicle accidents in Rockingham County and five of those people were pedestrians.
If you would like to learn more about how to stay safe as a pedestrian and how to get help after you or a loved one has been hit by a car or other vehicle while on foot, please feel free to visit the pedestrian’s rights and assistance page of our Virginia motor vehicle accident and personal injury website.
