More than 900 pedestrians were killed in traffic- related crashes in Virginia between the period of 2009-2018, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. This is a 59 percent increase in pedestrian fatalities over 10 years.

In 2019, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles reported that 1,896 pedestrians were involved in crashes that ended in injury and 126 were killed. Nationally, pedestrian fatalities increased from 4,109 in 2009 to 6,283 in 2018 which is a 55 percent increase in deaths.

“If you perform a quick search of the news over the past six weeks, you can easily find eight instances of crashes involving pedestrians in Hampton Roads. People are dying, or being seriously injured crossing the street,” said Holly Dalby, director of public affairs for AAA Tidewater Virginia.

In the AAA Foundation’s research, nearly two-thirds of all pedestrian fatalities occur on the roads with speed limits of 40 miles per hour or higher.

Poor lighting is another factor. Most pedestrian fatalities occur in darkness. Three out of four pedestrians killed on U.S. roads in 2018 were struck in darkness.

Pedestrians are reminded to always use crosswalks. If crosswalks are not present, cross at the intersection. Pedestrians crossing the street at non-intersection locations without a crosswalk rose 70 percent over the decade.

Almost half of all traffic crashes resulting in pedestrian casualties involve alcohol consumption—either the driver, the pedestrian or both.

“Distracted walking and distracted driving is common and a very risky practice. It keeps your attention away from your surroundings and slows your reaction time.” Dalby said. “It can take up to 27 seconds for your mind to switch back to driving after texting, dialing or even changing the radio station. It takes only two seconds to miss that lifesaving moment.”