October is Pedestrian Safety Month

October is Pedestrian Safety Month
Pedestrian Fatalities Up 34% This Year

RICHMOND — So far this year, crashes have killed 123 pedestrians on Virginia roadways, an increase of 34% compared to this time in 2021. As part of October’s Pedestrian Safety Month, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) urges pedestrians and motorists alike to take extra precautions and use care to save lives.

“Keeping pedestrians safe is a shared responsibility,” said Acting DMV Commissioner Linda Ford, the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “When you’re driving, be alert. Pedestrians don’t always cross at crosswalks. Always follow posted speed limits so you can safely stop if you need to. When you’re walking, be vigilant. Don’t assume a vehicle will stop at a stop sign. Look the driver in the eye to make sure they see you before you cross.”

So far this year:

• Most pedestrian fatalities have occurred in urban areas with nearly 75% reported in areas around Hampton Roads, Northern Virginia, and Richmond.
• Fatal crashes were most likely to occur between 6 p.m. and midnight.
• 60% of those killed were over 50 years old.
• Males represented 69% of fatalities

DMV and its law enforcement and nonprofit safety partners are employing multifaceted strategies to raise awareness of the importance of pedestrian safety. DMV leads the state’s Pedestrian Safety Task Force, a collaborative effort to reduce pedestrian-related crashes, injuries and fatalities.  To help promote our pedestrian safety campaign, we encourage those interested to share our YouTube video on social media or public-access television.

“DMV, law enforcement and our nonprofit safety partners are working diligently to get this important message out to as many people as possible, but we need your help,” Acting Commissioner Ford said. “During Pedestrian Safety Month, please take a moment to remind your friends and family to stay safe when walking and to keep an eye out for pedestrians when driving. Together, we can save lives on our roadways.”

Editor’s Note: See the attached report for localized statistics on pedestrian-related crashes, injuries and fatalities.

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