DMV urges drivers to slow down and look up for pedestrian safety
RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) – The Department of Motor Vehicles says there have already been more than 450 crashes involving pedestrians in Virginia this year. Tragically, 35 people were killed.
“We cannot ignore these numbers,” said DMV Commissioner Gerald Lackey, the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “But more importantly, we have to start thinking of the numbers we share as what they really are – human lives. Every single one of the 477 pedestrians injured or killed so far this year in Virginia are someone’s child, parent, spouse, best friend and whole world. We need to value and protect each other on the roadways. That means slowing down and keeping our eyes on the road. Every second counts when it comes to keeping our friends and family safe inside and outside of our cars.”
The DMV is urging drivers to prioritize pedestrian safety.
The speed at which the vehicle is traveling is a major factor in the pedestrian’s chance of survival.
This graphic from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) breaks down the percentages.
Another reminder for drivers is to keep your eyes on the road to keep pedestrians safe, especially in neighborhoods, shopping centers and other areas with high pedestrian traffic.
This video from NHTSA and the Ad Council demonstrates the difference a few seconds can make.
The DMV released preliminary numbers of crashes involving pedestrians for 2024 so far (January 1 – April 10.)
City/County | Crashes | Pedestrian Fatalities | Pedestrian Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|
Chesapeake | 6 | 0 | 18 |
Hampton | 13 | 0 | 14 |
Newport News | 21 | 1 | 20 |
Norfolk | 21 | 2 | 22 |
Poquoson | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Portsmouth | 11 | 0 | 11 |
Suffolk | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Virginia Beach | 22 | 1 | 21 |
Williamsburg | 1 | 0 | 2 |
Accomack | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Isle of Wight | 1 | 1 | 0 |
James City County | 3 | 0 | 3 |
York | 2 | 0 | 2 |
This data does not include a recent deadly crash involving a pedestrian on April 18 in Hampton. A 51-year-old woman was attempting to cross the street when she was fatally struck.
In February, Virginia State Police also issued a warning for drivers after an uptick in deadly pedestrian crashes.
State police see uptick in deadly pedestrian crashes across Virginia in 2024
You can find several pedestrian safety resources on the DMV website, at this link.
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