Breaking down 2022 pedestrian-involved crashes in Central VA for Pedestrian Safety Month
RICHMOND, Va. (WSET) — So far this year, crashes have killed 124 pedestrians on Virginia roadways, an increase of 34% compared to this time in 2021, according to a new report from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.
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.
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The 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 their pedestrian safety campaign, they are encouraging those interested to share a 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.”
To further encourage safe driving, the Virginia DMV released a Crash Report breaking down solely pedestrian-involved crashes for 2022.
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To note, the 2022 data contained in the report is preliminary and through October 24. They said some information may not have been reported or finalized by Law Enforcement.
In ABC13's viewing area, the statistics for pedestrian deaths and injuries are below:
Lynchburg:
- 12 crashes
- 0 fatalities
- 12 injuries
Danville:
- 12 crashes
- 2 fatalities
- 10 injuries
Roanoke County:
- 10 crashes
- 2 fatalities
- 8 injuries
Bedford County:
- 7 crashes
- 2 fatalities
- 5 injuries
Martinsville:
- 1 crash
- 1 injury
Amherst County:
- 1 crash
- 1 fatality
Halifax County:
- 3 crashes
- 4 injuries
Montgomery County:
- 18 crashes
- 1 fatality
- 17 injuries
Pittsylvania County:
- 7 crashes
- 3 fatalities
- 5 injuries
Check out the full report here:
